Three charged in shooting death of 5-year-old Linkwood girl

(3900 block Ocean Gateway, Linkwood)

LINKWOOD, Maryland — A five-year-old girl was killed and a man was wounded in a predawn shooting at a Dorchester County home earlier this month, and investigators say the case is now linked to a separate shooting that occurred just hours earlier in nearby Hurlock.

Maryland State Police announced the arrests and charges of three people last week in connection with the death of Na’Ryah Adams, a five-year-old girl who was fatally shot at a residence in Linkwood on August 11.

Anthony D. Harris, 26, and Wendell A. Wongus III, 23, both of Hurlock, have been charged with first-degree murder and other related offenses. Lindsay Jo Ewing, 42, of Cambridge, faces charges of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and related offenses.

Harris, Wongus and Ewing are being held without bond.

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Deadly shooting unfolds in the early morning hours

According to investigators, Maryland State Police troopers from the Easton Barrack were called to a home in the 3900 block of Ocean Gateway at approximately 2:17 a.m. on August 11 after receiving a report of a shooting.

Troopers found two people suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

The five-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. A 30-year-old man, Ryan Adams, was seriously wounded and flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a local trauma center.

Adams is the father of the young girl who lived at the Ocean Gateway residence.

Investigators say their examination of the evidence soon revealed a possible connection to another shooting in Hurlock that had occurred only hours before the deadly Linkwood attack.

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Investigators connect two shootings

Police say the earlier incident began with an altercation at a residence on Gold Rush Lane involving a 15-year-old boy, who was later identified as Ryan Adams’ nephew.

According to the preliminary investigation, the teenager contacted Adams following the confrontation. Adams allegedly went to the residence and opened fire, striking a 14-year-old.

The 15-year-old has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and other related offenses and is being held at the Lower Eastern Shore Children’s Center.

Adams, meanwhile, has been charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and other related offenses. He remains hospitalized while receiving treatment for his injuries.

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Woman accused of helping suspect evade police

As investigators continued working on the Linkwood homicide, they uncovered communications between Ewing and Harris that police say were related to the shooting.

Investigators allege Ewing used information and resources that were not available to the general public through her employment with the office of a defense attorney to help Harris evade detection by police following the homicide.

The investigation ultimately resulted in the charges against Ewing, Harris and Wongus.

Because of a conflict involving the Dorchester County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office was asked to assist with the prosecution of the cases.

“Violent crime in Dorchester County affects the entire Lower Eastern Shore and, most importantly, can tragically alter the lives of victims, families, and communities for generations,” Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes said.

Dykes said prosecutors will work to ensure the cases are handled fairly and thoroughly while following the facts and protecting the integrity of the legal process.

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$25,000 reward offered for information

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation with assistance from the agency’s Forensic Sciences Division and Special Operations Division, the FBI, Hurlock Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.

The FBI is also participating in the investigation.

The Maryland State Police and FBI are offering a combined reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the homicide investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit tip line at 202-953-1903. Callers may remain anonymous.

The FBI said it is contributing $15,000 toward the reward.

Na’Ryah Adams

“The FBI extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Na’Ryah Adams,” said Jimmy Paul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “If you know something about this shooting, share it with us.”

The investigation remains active.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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(Source: Maryland State Police)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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