Annapolis Capital Punishment

After having just reported that Baltimore has seen a record low in murders for the first quarter of this year and that Annapolis had a record four, we learn of yet another homicide.From Our Police Department:

For Additional Information Contact:
Officer Hal Dalton
(410) 268-9000 ext. 7305 ( 410) 919-7188

Lt. Brian Della (410) 268-9000 ext. 7250

April 8th, 2008

On April 8th, 2008 at 9:00 AM, the Office of the Medical Examiner ruled the death of Russell Myers Lockett III as a homicide. Specifically, the cause of death is listed as pneumonia, aggravated by blunt force trauma. Mr. Lockett was 53 years old at the time of his death, which was March 17th, 2008 at approximately 8:15 AM. A brother of his was located in Edgewater. The brother reported that as far as he knew, Mr, Lockett was homeless for about the last year of his life.

On March 15th, 2008, The Anne Arundel County Police responded to 1000 Bestgate Road for a report of an injured subject, who turned out to be Mr. Lockett. He was suffering from what paramedics diagnosed as a broken rib and a punctured lung. Mr. Lockett told officers that the night before, on March 14th at about 8:00 PM, he was attacked by an unknown suspect while he was near 80 West Street. He said that he was knocked down from behind and that he thought that the person went through his pockets before running away. He said that he had nothing of value to steal on him. He, as far as is known, did not report the attack to anyone nor seek any kind of assistance. He made his way out to Bestgate Road on foot. Employees of a nearby bank reported that several homeless people camp in the woods behind the bank. Mr. Lockett was taken to Shock - Trauma for treatment, where his condition worsened until he passed away.

When first notified of the incident, Annapolis officers checked the vicinity of 80 West Street for any indications of a crime scene. None were found. Even though the attack was said to have occurred the night before, the area was canvassed for witnesses, again, none were found.

This case is actively being investigated as a Homicide. Anyone with any information is asked to call police at 410-268-4141.

To view a picture of Mr. Lockett, please go to:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/hdalton/LockettRussell.jpg