Day: May 19, 2020

County Confirms Its First Pediatric Death From COVID-19


A 15-year-old Baltimore County resident has died after being infected by COVID-19, the first pediatric death in the County associated with the virus. The individual had symptoms of an inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection that has been documented in children in New York and other locations.

“Any loss of life from this virus is tragic, but the loss of a child is devastating. Our prayers are with the family and loved ones of this young person,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “This is a stark reminder that this virus spares no one, and that we all must remain vigilant in our efforts to stay home, socially distance, and limit the spread of this deadly disease.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic is real, it is here, and it is lethal,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer. “Our children and our most vulnerable residents need all of us to do our part to safeguard them from this unrelenting adversary.”

As of May 19, 2020, the number of Baltimore County residents confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus is 4,920. The number of confirmed deaths from the virus is 247 with an additional 16 deaths believed to be virus-related.

County residents are strongly encouraged to stay home whenever possible. If they must go out, individuals should wear masks or face coverings in public places and continue to maintain six feet of distance from other people.

More information about the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available at www.BaltimoreCountyMD.gov/Coronavirus.

State Police Looking for Suspect After Rosedale Man Found Dead


Maryland State Police and deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a wanted fugitive as the investigation continues into the murder of a Rosedale man who was found dead in Dorchester County.

The wanted fugitive is identified as James Andre Reddick, Jr., 29, of Baltimore. Police believe he also goes by Shane or Dre’. Reddick is wanted for first degree murder among other criminal charges. Reddick is also wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Reddick is an African American man. He is 6’1”, 165 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. He is known to frequent York, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland. Reddick is considered armed and dangerous.

The victim is identified as Deontae Vilada Belcher, 25, of Rosedale. Belcher was found deceased in a wooded area in Dorchester County on May 1, 2020. An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause and manner of death as homicide by gunshot wounds.

Shortly before 12:00 noon on Friday, May 1, 2020, deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office responded to 9-1-1 calls reporting the body of the deceased victim, lying along a power line trail alongside Horns Point Road in Cambridge. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was requested to respond and take the lead in the investigation.

Upon their arrival, investigators found the decomposed body of the victim, later identified as Belcher, the subject of a missing person’s report. Evidence found at the scene indicated Belcher had sustained at least one gunshot wound.

Police learned Belcher was last seen on April 11 getting into a four door sedan with two other people. His mother had reported him missing to the Baltimore County Police Department on April 18.

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is the lead in this investigation. Additional assistance is being provided by Criminal Enforcement Division Upper Shore investigators, the Maryland State Apprehension Team, deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the Baltimore County Police Department and the Dorchester County State’s Attorney’s Office. Maryland State Police crime scene technicians processed evidence found at the scene.