Baltimore County Police were called to the 100-block of Bennett Road, Essex for a disturbance involving a gun at 8 p.m. on Dec. 30.
Homicide detectives were able to determine the following details. Joseph William Principio, 62, of the 7600-block of Holly Ridge Drive in Glen Burnie, came to his ex-girlfriend’s residence on Bennett Road, while she and her current boyfriend were inside the house. Principio forced his way inside the home when his ex-girlfriend answered the door. Principio, armed with a handgun, began to assault the current boyfriend once inside the house. During an altercation between Principio and the current boyfriend, the current boyfriend was able to hold Principio down until police arrived.
Joseph Principio was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. Due to injuries to his upper body and arms, the current boyfriend was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He is expected to survive his injuries.
The handgun was recovered by responding officers. None of the individuals suffered any injuries from gunfire, it is believed that the weapon was not fired during the altercation. Detectives will continue their investigation and await the autopsy to be performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. No criminal charges have been filed at this time.
