Cop Execution Ends With Shooter's Suicide

"BROOKLYN, NY — Two NYPD cops were executed Saturday after a career criminal drove from Baltimore to Brooklyn to kill police officers in a twisted bid to avenge the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown.

"`They were, quite simply, assassinated,` a shaken NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said Saturday night.

"The shooter—identified as Ismaaiyl Brinsley—boasted about wanting to murder cops in the hours before he ambushed the officers outside the Tompkins Houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant about 2:45 p.m.

"The officers—Rafael Ramos, 40, and Wenjian Liu, 32—were in the area as part of a push to beef up cops’ presence near violence-plagued housing projects.

"`The perp came out of the houses, walked up behind the car and lit them up,` a high-ranking police official told the Daily News.

"Right after Brinsley fired the fatal shots, he sprinted around the corner to the G line subway station at Myrtle-Willoughby Aves., with cops in close pursuit.

"Brinsley disappeared inside the station, then shot himself in the head on a platform, police said.

"The slayings capped a bloody daylong crime spree for Brinsley.

"Hours before he showed up in Brooklyn, Brinsley shot his ex-girlfriend at about 5:45 a.m. in Owings Mills, Md., about 15 miles from Baltimore.

"The 29-year-old woman, who was hit in the stomach, underwent surgery and was expected to survive, a family member told The News."

Read more at the Daily News...

Nonagenarian Couple Found With Gunshot Wounds

"HYATTSVILLE, MD — Hyattsville police are investigating an attempted murder/suicide that took place Sunday.

"Officers were called to the 5800 block of 31st Avenue for a check on welfare request at about 6:48 p.m., police said. Officers discovered a 90-year-old man and 90-year-old woman each suffering from a gunshot wound upon arrival, police said.

"The male was pronounced dead on the scene. His wife was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

"The incident is being investigated as a murder/suicide."

From wusa9.com...

Revenge Killing Doesn't Go As Planned

"POTOMAC, MD — Police said a man is believed to have killed his boss' wife and then himself after being accused of a theft in the workplace.

"Montgomery County Police on Wednesday identified the suspect in Tuesday's murder/suicide in Potomac as 42-year-old Andrew Racca of Chevy Chase.

"Racca worked at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Bethesda, where Richard Mattingly was one of his managers.

"Police said Racca was told by management on Monday that an alleged workplace theft he had committed would be reported to authorities.

"Police said Racca didn't come to work on Tuesday and was found dead that afternoon inside a car that crashed into a tree along Piney-Meetinghouse Road. Officers said they also found a gun inside the car.

"The crash site was near Mattingly's home on 12045 Great Elm Drive.

"The burned body of Mattingly's wife, 57-year-old Carolyn Mattingly, was found in the garage of their home following a small fire.

"Authorities said the deaths of both Racca and Carolyn Mattingly remained under investigation under a medical examiner confirms the exact cause and manner of those deaths."

From wjla.com...

Infant Found At Scene Of Murder, Suicide

"STREET, MD — A man fatally shot his girlfriend and then himself late Sunday or early Monday in the northern Harford County community of Street, the Harford County Sheriff's Office confirmed Monday afternoon.

"Deputies found Sandra Marie Kerner, 40, dead in the 1500 block of Robinson Mill Road after responding to a call for a suicide at about 7:30 a.m. Monday, according to a Sheriff's Office statement.

"Deputies found Kerner after arriving to find family members on the scene, the Sheriff's Office said.

"According to the statement, the preliminary investigation showed Kerner was shot by her boyfriend, Brian Wesley Gordon, 34, sometime overnight. Gordon later left the home and used a firearm to kill himself, the Sheriff's Office said.

"An infant girl was in the home at the time of the shooting and was taken to University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air for injuries that were not life-threatening, according to the statement.

"The infant had an injury on her leg but detectives did not know how it occurred, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Cristie Kahler said.

"Both Kerner and Gordon lived at the home, according to the Sheriff's Office.

"No motive was determined as of Monday afternoon, Kahler said."

From the Baltimore Sun...

Murder Suspect Charged After Botched Suicide Bid

"LAUREL, MD — A man allegedly shot and killed another man who was dating his estranged wife before attempting to take his own life in Laurel Wednesday night, Anne Arundel County police said.

"The victim, Howard Richard Popp Jr., 39, from Owings Mills, was found in the roadway in the 3300 block of Sudlersville South around 10:40 p.m., police said. He was lifeless when police arrived and was later pronounced dead at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center. The suspect was also taken to Shock Trauma with life-threatening injuries and has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, among other charges, police said.

"Police identified the suspect as Robert Babauta Mendiola, 39, of Laurel. His charges have not yet appeared in online court records and it could not be determined whether he had obtained a lawyer.

"Police said Mendiola's wife had separated from him in July and obtained a final protective order, but Mendiola continued to attempt to reunite with her as she began dating Popp. Mendiola's estranged wife and Popp were sitting in a car when Mendiola approached, and Popp was shot multiple times with a handgun after the two had gotten out of the car.

"Mendiola fled the scene and barricaded himself in a shed in the 300 block of Old Line Avenue, and when police broke into the shed, Mendiola had shot himself."

From the Baltimore Sun...

Domestic Dispute Leaves Three Dead

"DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD — Prince George's County Police have identified the three people shot to death Friday in an apparent double murder/suicide at a home in District Heights.

"The shooting victims, two women and a man, were found in a townhouse in the 1500 block of South Addison Road around 4:40 p.m. by officers responding to a shots-fired call who forced their way inside.

"Police believe Leroy Johnson, Jr., 45, of Oxon Hill shot his estranged wife, Angela Lynette Johnson, 43, of Oxon Hill, and Zonita Monia Roberts, 42, of Smyrna, Georgia, and then shot himself.

"`They told the residents they had about 10 to 30 seconds to come out of the house, then about seven police officers kicked the door in,` said neighbor Ronell White.

"Police found one woman who had been shot to death; the other two victims were critically injured and died shortly afterward at the hospital.

"Investigators said they believed the deaths to be a double murder/suicide that stemmed from a domestic dispute.

"Police said they were trying to determine the relationship between the estranged couple and the other woman.

"Neighbors told [reporters] the victims may have been making funeral arrangements for a relative when the shooting broke out."

From wjla.com...

Pair Found Dead In Man's Former Home

"HUGHESVILLE, MD — Two bodies were found dead Wednesday morning inside a house in Hughesville.

"Charles County sheriff’s officers suspect a murder/suicide though sheriff’s office spokeswoman Diane Richardson said it is too early in the investigation to be certain.

"At 11:45 a.m. July 16, officers were called to the 6900 block of Wood Glen Drive after the homeowner discovered his son, Damian Harley, 37, inside the house and deceased from a gunshot wound.

"Nearby, officers also found the body of a woman who also had a fatal gunshot wound.

"A sheriff’s office report emailed Wednesday afternoon states officers believe that Damian Harley shot the woman and then shot himself.

"Richardson said officers recovered a `long gun` from the scene.

"`Right now it looks like it could be a murder/suicide,` Richardson said, adding that it’s too early to tell as forensics still have to finish processing the scene, and detectives still are interviewing witnesses and family members.

"`At this point it does not look like foul play was involved,` she said, meaning no other individual is suspected in the deaths.

"Richardson said Harley and the woman did not live at the house where they were found. She said officers heard the man had lived there before, but it was not his current residence."

From SoMdNews...

Elderly Relatives Found Shot Dead

"BALTIMORE, MD — Two elderly relatives who both battled health problems were found dead in an East Baltimore home Saturday in what Baltimore City police believe was a murder/suicide, according to a release from the department.

"Police did not identify the man and woman found in the 300 block of Folcroft St., where officers responded to a call of a suicide attempt around 11 a.m. When officers arrived, they found a woman shot in the head and a man with an apparent self-inflicted gun shout wound to the head.

"A preliminary investigation found that the two were relatives between the ages of 75 to 85, who police said were both `suffering from a host of long-term medical conditions.`

"Officials said they did not believe anybody else was involved in the killings."

Source: Baltimore Sun...

Police Respond To Parking Garage Shooting, Two Dead

"GAITHERSBURG, MD — Montgomery County police say a fatal shooting at a Gaithersburg parking garage Sunday evening is believed to be a domestic-related murder/suicide.

"Police responded to the 500 block of Raven Avenue in Gaithersburg at about 11:20 p.m. Sunday after officers working in the area heard gunshots.

"When police arrived, they found a 38-year-old Gaithersburg man suffering from a gunshot wound. Also, police found a 39-year-old Gaithersburg woman who appeared to be hiding between parked cars. The woman was armed with a gun and shot herself, police say.

"Emergency crews transported the man and the woman to a nearby hospital where they both died.

"Police say the woman may have shot the man before shooting herself. Police say they believe that the two people were married, but may have been separated.

"The identities of the victims will be released after their families have been notified."

From wtop.com...

Family Of Three Found Dead, No Suspects Sought

"HAGERSTOWN, MD — A family of three is found dead in their Washington County home. Deputies believe it may be a case of murder/suicide.

"It’s unclear what caused the shooting, but deputies believe that 54-year-old William Smith shot both his wife and his step-son before turning the gun on himself.

"Cop cars and yellow tape Thursday night. 17511 Dawn Drive in Hagerstown is now a crime scene.

"`When deputies arrived, there were three individuals deceased inside the residence–two adult males, one adult female. The individuals had suffered gunshot wounds,` said Carly Hose, Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

"Sheriff’s deputies believe William Smith killed both his wife, 47-year-old Kimberly Smith, and his step-son, 23-year-old Christopher Wachter, before taking his own life.

"`I can tell you that we are not seeking suspects,` said Hose."

From CBS Baltimore...

Police Investigate Death Of Elderly Couple

"BERLIN, MD — Local authorities remain on the scene this afternoon investigating a suspected murder/suicide on Williams Street in Berlin.

"The Berlin Police Department received an initial call this morning at 8 for a shooting. The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) responded to the scene at 603 Williams Street as well as the Md. State Police Homicide Unit.

"Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Ed Schreier confirmed at noon today that authorities believe the male resident of the house, Lester Wright, 89, shot his wife, Ada, 90, and then tried to kill himself. Lester Wright was found alive on the scene, but died later at the hospital.

"`They are investigating this as a suspected murder/suicide. A female was shot twice. The male had what appeared to be three self-inflicted gun wounds. He was transported to PRMC and died at PRMC. She was found deceased in the residence,` Schreier said. `It’s still currently being investigated.`

"Schreier said part of the probe is determining a possible motive for the incident involving the long-time Berlin residents.

"`At this point in time, we do not have any of that information,` Schreier said. `We can’t speculate as to the reason why at this point.`"

Source: The Dispatch...

Deadly Birthday

"FORT WASHINGTON, MD — A man murdered his ex-wife in the parking lot of a Fort Washington, Md., apartment complex on her birthday, Prince George's County Police said.

"Officers were called to the Westwood Place Apartments on Jaywick Avenue around 1 a.m. Wednesday and found Lester Lee Fletcher Jr., 32, and Michelle Miranda-Fletcher, 32, dead in the parking lot of apparent gunshot wounds.

"Investigators believe Michelle was returning home from celebrating her 32nd birthday and found her ex-husband waiting for her when she arrived. Police say Lester drove up to her car and threatened her before shooting her multiple times. He then turned the gun on himself. The couple had a 13-year-old son.

"`My nerves are torn up. I feel like I'm in a safe neighborhood and here somebody was murdered in the parking lot,` one resident said.

"The couple filed for divorce last September. It was finalized last month."

From NBC Washington...

"Long Gun" Settles Argument

"CURTIS BAY, MD — Police are investigating an apparent murder/suicide in the Orchard Beach area of Baltimore, Md.

"Officers were called to the 8000 block of Highpoint Road in Baltimore at approximately 2:19 p.m. Tuesday for the report of a shooting, police say.

"Upon arrival, were informed a female had been shot and a suspect in the residence with her. Shortly after, officers observed the male suspect inside the residence and heard a gunshot.

"Police entered the residence and found a female with an apparent gunshot wound to her upper body lying at the bottom of the basement steps, according to officials. A male was located seated in a room near the front door with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the upper body. They were both pronounced dead at the scene.

"Investigation revealed that the suspect, 67-year-old Charles Benton White, and his girlfriend, 25-year-old Elizabeth Leigh Thorpe, got into an argument, police say. White retrieved a long gun and shot Thorpe before turning the gun on himself.

"This incident was a domestic related homicide and not a random act of violence."

From wusa9.com...

Elderly Couple Pronounced Dead At Scene

"TEMPLE HILLS, MD — Prince George’s County police have identified two people found dead in an apparent murder/suicide that took place in Temple Hills on Wednesday.

"At about 2 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to 5506 Winston Street in Temple Hills for a welfare check, where they discovered Armando Velasco, 72, and Virginia Velasco, 72, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, police said. The couple were married, lived at the residence and were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

"Preliminary investigation has led police to believe that Armando Velasco shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself, police said.

"Detectives are working to establish a motive in the case, said Cpl. Nate Lewis, a Prince George’s County police spokesman."

From Gazette.Net...

Dead Men Found In Apartment

"GLEN BURNIE, MD — Two men are dead after a suspected murder/suicide in Glen Burnie on Monday evening, Anne Arundel County police said.

"Residents of a bottom-floor apartment in a two-story home on Wendover Road in the Marley neighborhood called 911 about 5 p.m. after they heard gunshots in the second-floor apartment, said Lt. T.J. Smith, a police spokesman.

"Police arrived a short time later, got the bottom-floor residents out and entered the second-floor apartment. Inside, police found two men in the living room, both dead from gunshot wounds, Smith said.

"The men were both residents of the apartment, but their identities were not immediately released, pending notification of family.

"Police are investigating the shooting as a murder/suicide, although Smith would not elaborate on any motive or on the relationship between the two men.

"Smith could not say what type of gun was used in the shooting.

"Animal Control took a cat and a few small dogs from the home, Smith said."

Source: Baltimore Sun...

Mall Shooter Kills Two, Self

"COLUMBIA, MD — Gunfire pierced the Saturday morning bustle at The Mall in Columbia [map here], a gathering place for many in the planned suburban community, sending shoppers racing for cover as two store employees were fatally shot by a man who police said then killed himself.

"Howard County police said the two employees at the skate shop Zumiez, Brianna Benlolo, 21, of College Park, Md., and Tyler Johnson, 25, of Ellicott City, Md. were killed shortly after 11 a.m.

"Police, who did not release information on the identity of the shooter, said he was found just outside the store with a shotgun and a large amount of ammunition.

"Five people, including one who was shot in the foot, were treated at Howard County General Hospital and released. The other four persons were not being treated for gunshot wounds, but for injuries related to panic at the scene.

"One witness said the gunman appeared to be between 18 and 21 years old and was wearing khaki pants and a white shirt.

"Heavy police presence remained at the mall into the night, with helicopters circling overhead and police officers searching car trunks in the parking lot."

Read more at the Baltimore Sun...

Robot Finds Body Of Killer After SWAT Standoff

"BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore City Police say Robert Hopkins, murder suspect, shot himself after holing up in a North Baltimore house overnight.

"Police say during an attempted carjacking, Hopkins shot and killed a man on Maryland Ave near 22nd St. just before 3am. He then pointed the gun at a woman, Denise Jones, and ran into a nearby home.

"Police surrounded the home for 8 hours, and told neighbors to stay inside. At 10:30am, police sent a robot inside. They found the suspect dead from a self inflicted gun shot wound.

"Hopkins has been wanted for a recent attempted murder and several other carjackings. The victim has not been identified."

From WBFF-TV...

Wife Calls 911 While Husband Loads Gun

"HOLLYWOOD, MD — A woman was shot overnight in a suspected attempted murder/suicide in St. Mary's County that happened while the victim was on the phone with emergency officials.

"St. Mary's County Sheriff's officials say that Angela Dean was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher just after midnight Friday when the dispatcher heard gunshots, after which the call dropped.

"Maryland State Police say that the gunshots came about 59 seconds into Angela's call for help.

"Authorities believe that Angela's husband, James Daniel Dean, was loading a gun after having an argument with his wife and turned the gun on her inside their Johnson Road home. When authorities arrived, they found both husband and wife shot.

"James was pronounced dead at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Angela is currently being treated for her injuries at a Prince George's County hospital."

From WJLA...

Three Dead In "Quiet, Rural Town"

""NEW MARKET, MD — The Frederick County Sheriff's Office says autopsies have concluded that the fatal shooting of three people in their home near the quiet, rural town of New Market was a murder/suicide.

"Capt. Tim Clarke disclosed the information Friday about 40-year-old Benyam Asefa; his 42-year-old wife Barbara Giomarelli; and their 3-month-old son Samuel Asefa.

"Clarke says a 5-year-old daughter who escaped unharmed didn't hide in the house, as investigators previously believed.

"The girl went to a neighbor's house in the subdivision and reported her mother, father and brother were all hurt, Clark said.

"He said the girl was unhurt and is now in the care of child protective services.

"Officials say they responded to the shooting in the 6800 block of Woods Court in the Pinehurst subdivision at about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday to find the bodies.

"Clark said he didn't know of any suicide note. He said details of the shooting were sketchy because the surviving child is the only known witness.

"Clarke says that the deputies who responded may need counseling.

"`Well, any incident with this type of magnitude obviously affects everyone,` he says.

"People living in the small subdivision were in shock following the news."

From WTOP...

Cop, Fireman, Mutual Love Interest Dead After "Domestic Incident"

"GLEN BURNIE, MD — Homicide detectives outside Baltimore are investigating an apparent murder/suicide involving a police officer and a firefighter.

"Three people were found dead inside a home on the 1100 block of Armistead Street in Glen Burnie, Maryland, early Sunday morning after a reported shooting around 1:35 a.m., police in Anne Arundel County said.

"Police said the suspected shooter—Christopher Lee Robinson, 37, a Baltimore police officer—was one of the people found dead at the scene.

"Baltimore firefighter Andrew Scott Hoffman, 27, and Marie Leanne Edith Hartman, 26, were killed.

"`Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect/shooter was one of the deceased and that he had a relationship with the female victim,` police said.

"Police said they were still investigating the shooter's motive, but described the shooting as a `domestic incident.`"

Read more at whas11.com...