Catonsville Man Charged in Stabbing of Stepson: Police

A Catonsville man is charged with attempted murder after police said he stabbed his stepson outside their home, according to a report from the Baltimore County Police Department.

John Leonard Smith, 62, is being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center on charges including attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault and use of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure.

At 6:28 p.m. on Tuesday, authorities were called to Smith’s residence in the 2000 block of Norhurst Way North for an assault in progress, according to the report from police.

Officers found a man who had been stabbed in the upper body, and he was taken to a local hospital, where he is expected to survive, police said.

Smith and the victim—his stepson—had gotten into an argument inside their home that turned physical, and when the stepson went outside, Smith followed him and stabbed him, according to the report.

Police took Smith into custody at the scene, the report said. He is scheduled to appear in Baltimore County District Court for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 26. The Baltimore County Violent Crimes Unit continues to investigate.

Photo Credit: Baltimore County Police Department. John Leonard Smith at the time he was booked at the Baltimore County Detention Center.