3 Charged In Eastern Shore Shooting That Killed 5-Year-Old Girl: State Police

LINKWOOD, MD — Two Dorchester County men have been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 5-year-old girl, a case Maryland State Police said was connected to another shooting involving two teenagers hours earlier.

Anthony D. Harris, 26, and Wendell A. Wongus III, 23, both of Hurlock, were charged with first-degree murder and related offenses following the girl's death, police said in a statement. Lindsay Jo Ewing, 42, of Cambridge, was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and other offenses. All three were being held without bond.

Troopers were called to a home in the 3900 block of Ocean Gateway in Linkwood around 2:15 a.m. on Aug. 11, where they found the 5-year-old girl and 30-year-old Ryan Adams suffering from gunshot wounds.

The girl, who was Adams' child and lived at the home, was pronounced dead at the scene. Adams was flown to a trauma center for treatment.

Earlier Shooting Linked To Girl's Death

Investigators said the Linkwood shooting was connected to a separate shooting that occurred in Hurlock several hours earlier.

According to a preliminary investigation, Adams' 15-year-old nephew was involved in an altercation with a 14-year-old at a home on Gold Rush Lane. The nephew then called Adams, who arrived a short time later and opened fire, striking the other teen, police said.

Adams' nephew was charged with attempted first-degree murder and other offenses and was being held at the Lower Eastern Shore Children's Center.

Adams was also charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and other offenses. He remains hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.

According to court records obtained by The Banner, investigators believe the shooting in Linkwood was an “act of retaliation” for Adams shooting the 14-year-old.

Woman Accused Of Helping Murder Suspect

Investigators said they also uncovered communications between Lindsay Ewing and Anthony Harris during the investigation into the 5-year-old's death.

Police said Ewing, a former analyst in the Dorchester County State’s Attorney’s Office, according to The Banner, used sources unavailable to the general public through her employment to help Harris evade law enforcement following the Linkwood shooting.

The Dorchester County State's Attorney's Office determined it had a conflict of interest in the case and requested assistance from the Wicomico County State's Attorney's Office.

Investigation Continues

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation with assistance from state police forensic and special operations units, the FBI, Hurlock Police Department and other agencies.

State police and the FBI are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that may lead to an arrest as the investigation continues. The FBI is contributing $15,000 toward the reward.

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