Bar Argument Turns Deadly for off-duty Deputy in Baltimore

Issue #003

In this Issue of Harford Local Connect…
🌤️ Harford County, MD Weather
📰 Bar Argument Turns Deadly for off-duty Deputy in Baltimore
📰 Enhanced Communication System for Aberdeen Police Department
📰 Maryland's Archdiocese Takes Legal Action to Protect Assets against Potential Lawsuits
📅 Local Events
👮🏼‍♂️ Arrest Made in Brutal Murder of Tech CEO in Baltimore
⚾️Join the Baltimore Orioles in Paying Tribute to Baseball Icon Brooks Robinson
🏈Ravens Football - Away Game Sunday vs. Cleveland Browns

Bar Argument Turns Deadly for off-duty Deputy in Baltimore

An off-duty deputy with the Howard County Sheriff's Office was tragically shot and killed during a bar altercation in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood. The incident occurred on Thursday night and has left the community in shock.

Deputy Ryan Demby was at the bar when a verbal argument among patrons escalated, resulting in shots being fired. The sheriff's office released a statement confirming the details of the incident.

Baltimore police were called to the scene at around 12:14AM on September 29th. They discovered a 23-year-old man with multiple life-threatening gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, the victim was pronounced dead at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Shock Trauma.

Authorities believe that the altercation started before the tragic shooting, but specific details have not been released. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are working diligently to gather evidence and identify any potential suspects.

Enhanced Communication System for Aberdeen Police Department

Beginning October 1, 2023, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services (DES) will permanently handle call-taking and dispatch duties for the Aberdeen Police Department. This transition aims to enhance the city's communication system as Aberdeen grows and develops. However, officials assure the public that their experience in reaching out to the police for assistance should remain largely unchanged.

Residents who need police intervention can still dial 410-272-2121 and select option 1. The only significant change will be the line of questioning from DES call takers, which may now be more comprehensive to gather all necessary details for assigning the appropriate response priority.

For non-emergency needs or specific department services, citizens can also use the same phone number and navigate through the prompts. A dedicated phone attendant system has been put in place to guide callers to the relevant division or personnel.

By consolidating communication functions with DES, the Aberdeen Police Department aims to leverage their specialized expertise and ensure the community continues to receive excellent services.

Maryland's Archdiocese Takes Legal Action to Protect Assets against Potential Lawsuits

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America's oldest Catholic archdiocese, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, has filed for bankruptcy in an attempt to limit its liability in the face of potential lawsuits related to child sexual abuse committed by priests. The move comes as the newly passed Child Victims Act in Maryland is set to remove the statute of limitations on when victims can sue perpetrators. The bankruptcy filing allows the archdiocese to remain operational while undergoing financial reorganization and moves ongoing legal actions from state court to federal bankruptcy court. Critics argue that the filing will limit awareness of the extent of abuse within the Catholic Church.

A four-year investigation by the Maryland Attorney General's Office found that at least 156 clerics and lay staff members had abused at least 600 children and young adults, with the church systematically covering up and enabling the abuse until the 20th century. The bankruptcy filing consolidates all legal actions into a single case to be decided by a bankruptcy judge. Claimants will be awarded a percentage of the pot that the archdiocese can afford to pay, with some receiving less than they would have received in state court. Additionally, any further lawsuits must be filed by a date agreed upon in bankruptcy court.

Victims and their advocates are concerned about the confidentiality of complaints filed under bankruptcy law, as it severely impairs their ability to learn more about what happened to them and how the church handled their cases. The archdiocese's bankruptcy filing is seen as another measure to limit awareness of the scope of abuse in Catholic churches and schools. Although challenges to the legitimacy of the filing are possible, experts suggest that they face several hurdles, as corporations or nonprofit organizations can declare bankruptcy as a strategic move to protect their assets.

Arrest Made in Brutal Murder of Tech CEO in Baltimore

Baltimore Tech CEO's Murder Suspect Arrested Without Incident: Baltimore police faced questioning as city officials announced the arrest of Jason Billingsley in connection with the murder of Pava LaPere. Billingsley, 32, was taken into custody at the MARC train station in Bowie. He is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and assault.

In a press conference, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley stated that they were unsure if there were any previous connections between LaPere and Billingsley. The arrest of Billingsley raised questions about the department's knowledge of his involvement in a separate violent crime earlier in September.

The Baltimore Police Department was questioned as to why the public was not notified about Billingsley being a suspect in a rape and attempted murder case that occurred on Edmondson Avenue. Worley defended the department's decision, stating that there was no indication Billingsley was committing random acts of violence. He added that agents were closely monitoring him and delayed the press conference to make the arrest.

Worley faced further questioning about why the department did not reveal Billingsley's involvement in both cases during the initial press conference. He explained that they prioritized the protection of the victims from the Edmondson Avenue incident. Worley acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the past but defended the department's handling of this case.

In addition to the murder charges, Billingsley is also facing gun theft charges for allegedly stealing a firearm from a friend's home. He is accused of taking the weapon on September 25 after being allowed to shower and sleep at the house.

Maryland's Largest Italian Festival is September 29 - October 1 at The Equestrian Center, Bel Air MD

September 29 - October 01 Maryland Italian Festival Bel Air

September 30 Havre de Grace Farmer’s Market Havre de Grace

September 30 Bel Air Farmer’s Market Bel Air

October 05 FAFSA Application Workshop Bel Air

October 06-08 The Ramble Festival Darlington

October 07 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Aberdeen

October 07 4-H Fall Fest and Open House Street

October 07-08 Stellar Con 2023 Bel Air

October 17 Meet the Author: Mark Dawidziak Abingdon

October 19 Choose Hope Celebration Gala Belcamp

October 21 8th Annual Spooky Soiree Edgewood

October 27 Sneaker Ball Luxe Edition Edgewood

Ravens Football

Ravens are 2-1-0 this season and are in Cleveland this Sunday to play the Browns!

Join the Baltimore Orioles in Paying Tribute to Baseball Icon Brooks Robinson

Baltimore Orioles Set to Honor Late Legend Brooks Robinson with Public Memorial

On Monday, October 2, 2023, the Baltimore Orioles will hold a public memorial at Oriole Park at Camden Yards to pay tribute to the late Orioles legend and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Brooks Robinson. This event, scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., aims to celebrate Robinson's immense contributions to the Orioles organization, the city of Baltimore, and the sport of baseball.

To accommodate fans, the Orioles have arranged complimentary parking in Lots A/B/C, with entrance via Gate E. The parking lots will open at 8:30 a.m., providing ample time for attendees to arrive before the memorial starts at 10:00 a.m. This event will not require tickets, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to join.

Brooks Robinson, a renowned third baseman, passed away on Tuesday at the remarkable age of 86. Throughout his impressive 23-year career, he remained loyal to the Orioles, leaving an indelible mark on the team. Even after retiring as a player, Robinson continued contributing to the organization as a coach, broadcaster, and Special Advisor Liaison.

In honor of Robinson's legacy, the Orioles have suggested that, instead of sending flowers, fans can make donations to The Constance and Brooks Robinson Charitable Foundation. Donations can be directed to 2 Railroad Avenue, Glyndon, MD, 21071.

Rest In Peace Brooks Robinson (1937 - 2023)

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