Fatal Encounter in Howard County: Details Emerge from Police Footage

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office recently released body-camera footage detailing the fatal police shooting of Alex LaMorie, a 25-year-old autistic man in Howard County. LaMorie had contacted 911 early on the morning of March 1, stating he was suicidal following alleged extortion.

Officers were responding to LaMorie’s call at Patuxent Commons, a housing community for Maryland residents with autism or other disabilities, where he had recently moved. Upon arrival at his apartment, officers found his phone, wallet, and keys, but LaMorie was absent.

Officers Searched While Awaiting LaMorie’s Return

The four responding Howard County police officers began searching the building’s common areas, including stairwells and lounges. Some officers remained behind in case LaMorie returned to his residence.

During the search, a radio transmission indicated LaMorie was approaching officers while armed. One officer was heard asking others if they possessed a Taser, to which another responded negatively. This discussion occurred just before the fatal confrontation.

Confrontation and Shooting

More officers arrived on the scene as LaMorie began walking toward them while holding a knife down by his side. An officer, identified as Riebau, attempted to de-escalate, assuring LaMorie they did not intend to harm him.

LaMorie, who was barefoot and wearing a T-shirt and shorts, stated, “I don’t care. I don’t want to live anymore. I want to be free of my pain, man.” At one point, he briefly raised his arms, telling the officers to “go ahead.”

The officers drew their weapons and retreated backward as LaMorie advanced, never pointing the knife toward them. Subsequently, three officers discharged their firearms. LaMorie collapsed, and despite commands to “Drop the knife!”, officers immediately rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived. LaMorie was pronounced dead at the scene.

Context of the 911 Call and Extortion Allegations

Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der confirmed that LaMorie called 911 late on February 28. LaMorie reported being the victim of an “extortion scam” after sharing personal information and photos online with someone posing as a young woman.

Der noted that such situations can cause intense feelings of fear and shame. Police are actively investigating the alleged extortion to hold those responsible criminally accountable. LaMorie’s mother, Jill Harrington, stated the extortion attempts triggered “severe traumatic shame” in her son.

Community and Official Response to the Incident

LaMorie’s mother expressed heartbreak, stating that the onus to save herself was placed on her son while he was in a suicidal crisis. She noted she chose not to watch the footage but had it summarized for her.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball acknowledged the need for system improvement, stating, “Systems must continually evolve, and we must always be willing to ask, ‘How can we do better?’” He mentioned that police respond to over 5,000 such emergency petition calls annually, usually with safe outcomes.

In response to the shooting, the county has since purchased 200 Tasers and initiated a review of critical-incident training. However, advocates, including Melissa Rosenberg of the Autism Society of Maryland, criticized the response, suggesting officers lacked the training or nonlethal alternatives needed.

Council member Liz Walsh suggested leadership changes might be necessary within the police department following the incident, questioning the training and the lack of nonlethal force application.