Heroin Traffickers Murdered 'Innocent Victim,' Annapolis Veteran: Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Two Annapolis brothers who face federal murder and heroin-trafficking charges are responsible for gunning down an innocent man who had no connection to them, according to Anne Arundel County Police. Federal authorities have taken over a murder case against Calum Jeramiah Thomas, 20, and Christian Thomas, 21, from the 10th block of Washington Drive as part of a dragnet against a drug ring in the area.

Earlier this year, Calum Thomas was charged with first-degree murder and related gun charges in the shooting death of Terry Paul Crouse, 55, of Annapolis. On Sept. 7, federal prosecutors indicted Thomas for conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and marijuana in the Annapolis area. Federal investigators say Crouse had no ties to illegal narcotics activity and his "senseless murder was just a crime of opportunity perpetrated by the Thomas brothers," according to a news release.

Both Thomas brothers are being held without bond in federal custody.

State's Attorney Wes Adams said Wednesday that his office has dismissed its case against Calum Thomas to allow the U.S. Attorney's Office in Baltimore to pursue federal charges. "Cooperation across all law enforcement agencies is paramount in the fight against crime," Adams said in a statement. "When a case warrants federal charges, my office is prepared to work in tandem with the U.S. Attorney's Office."

Crouse was shot on Jan. 2 outside his residence in the 1800 block of Kimberwicke Place. Responding to a report of gunshots in the area, Anne Arundel County police and rescue personnel arrived, found Crouse and administered CPR in an attempt to revive him, but he died at the scene.

According to his obituary, Crouse was an Air Force veteran who later worked as an electrical contractor. He was a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Annapolis. An avid outdoorsman, Crouse enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing golf, rooting for the New York Giants and, most of all, cheering for his children at their athletic events.

In the federal indictment, authorities allege that Calum and Christian Thomas "were part of a conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and marijuana in and around Annapolis," Adams said. They're charged with killing Crouse to further the drug trafficking conspiracy and collect a drug debt.

Anne Arundel County Police ask anyone with information on the murder of Terry Crouse to contact the Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. Anyone with information who wishes to remain anonymous can contact the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP or text “MCS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

Photos of Calum Thomas, and Christian Thomas, right, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police