As chief of the Homicide Division for the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office, I prosecute murders every day such as the one that occurred Nov. 11. As a resident of Anne Arundel County, I, like many of you, find myself heading out to Arundel Mills on many a weekend evening for a movie or shopping. And while this type of incident is scary and should remind you to stay alert for potentially dangerous situations, it should not keep you away from the mall.
More importantly, citizens should realize just how important their voices are in the crime-fighting process. During the past 10 years as a homicide prosecutor, in both Baltimore City and Prince George's County, I have handled over 100 murder prosecutions, taking more than 40 of these cases to trial.
In each and every one of these cases, the path to justice started with the voice of a concerned, brave citizen. Without their voice, murders would remain unsolved. Without their courage, murderers would continue to think they are above the law. Without their determination, violent criminals would go free.
When people speak up, violent criminals are found and brought to justice. As citizens we need to remember that we are the first and most important defense in the fight against crime. Using our eyes, ears and, most importantly, our voice will help keep our communities safe.
Although this investigation ended with the suspect killed and a police officer wounded, it was a citizen's voice combined with the diligent, hard work of the police from Anne Arundel and Prince George's county that led police to the suspected killer's door … in less than 12 hours.
As usual, the professional police men and women who have sworn their lives to protect ours stepped into the most dangerous of situations and simply did what many of us could never do, but what they do every day - their job. As a result, justice was served swiftly and those who would commit these crimes are reminded of just how well our police officers do their job.
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