Police investigating Annapolis homicide

It’s the fourth killing in Anne Arundel County so far in July

Annapolis police are investigating a second homicide in just over 24 hours following a violent holiday weekend in Anne Arundel County.

A 34-year-old man died after being stabbed on Baywind Drive in the Annapolis Walk neighborhood Monday morning, Annapolis police said.

Detectives were called to the 1000 block of Baywind Drive around 1:07 a.m. Monday where they located Deontrae Matthews of Annapolis, bleeding from an apparent stab wound. The incident is considered a homicide and is still under investigation, said Sgt. Amy Miguez, police spokesperson.

Matthews was transported to Anne Arundel Medical Center and later died of his injuries, police said.

The incident occurred about a quartermile from an address that is listed for Matthews in online court records at Royal Street in the Bywater Mutual Homes townhouse complex.

“All I can say is, another tragedy in the city,” said Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson, who represents Ward 4 where the stabbing occurred. “We’ve got to try to get our hands around the violence in the community, you know, what’s causing it.”

The homicide is the fourth this month in the county.

County and city police were called to two homicides just minutes apart in the early

hours of Sunday morning.

A 19-year old man was killed at an Independence Day party after midnight in the Revell Downs community near the Bay Bridge.

Witnesses called police to the scene of the party on Cananaro Drive about 12:40 a.m. Sunday. Officers found Justin Keith Beasley Jr., 19, and another 19-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest. Police administered CPR on Beasley until Anne Arundel County paramedics arrived, who took both men to area hospitals. Beasley later died of his injuries.

Neighbors describe the suburb as a quiet, relaxed community. Several houses on the tree-lined street sported Fourth of July decorations Monday. Several neighbors had been out of town for the holiday and said they were shocked to hear a fatal shooting occurred over the weekend.

Matthew McAllister, who hosted the small party, said Beasley was his best friend. Beasley, who lived in Maryland, was a fun-loving, caring person who protected everybody, McAllister said.

Police said they are actively searching for the person or people responsible.

A short time later, county police were called to the scene of another party on the 1700 block of Meade Village Circle Road in the Meade Village neighborhood where a 42-year-old man was fatally stabbed in a confrontation at a former girlfriend’s apartment. Police charged the woman with second-degree homicide.

A District Court Judge ruled Shantel Brooks, of Severn, held without bail Monday. The Office of the Public Defender was listed as Brooks’ attorney and was not able to be reached for comment.

Thursday, a 19-year-old man from Silver Spring was shot in Odenton and later died of his wounds.

Witnesses can call homicide investigators at 410-222-473, or offer anonymous information by calling the police tip Line at 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-756-2587.