Houseguest Charged In Death Of Lansdowne Toddler

LANSDOWNE, MD — Police said a man staying at the residence where a Lansdowne toddler shot himself has been charged in connection with the boy's death. Authorities said the 2-year-old boy died early the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 28, after officers found him injured in a home in southwest Baltimore County. The child was taken to St. Agnes Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

After 3 a.m., authorities said they were called to a home in the 3100 block of Bero Road for a report of an injured child and found the boy with head trauma. His mother called 911, officials said, and when first responders arrived, the child was in cardiac arrest in the spare bedroom.

Tye Ryder Flint, 2, was pronounced deceased at 3:49 a.m. on Aug. 28, police said. He was exactly one month away from turning 3.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner investigated the death and determined the boy died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Police said that while others were sleeping, Flint went into the spare bedroom, where he found a gun and discharged it.

Shaquiel Malquan Griffin, 25, is charged with with leaving a firearm where a minor could gain access, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, possession of a firearm by a person with a previous felony conviction and involuntary manslaughter.

Griffin, who does not have a permanent address, had been staying in the spare bedroom, where police said he had concealed an unsecured, loaded handgun.

Officials allege Griffin took the gun and left the residence before police arrived on Aug. 28.

Griffin, who also had open warrants in both Baltimore County and Baltimore City at the time of his arrest, was booked on Aug. 30 at the Baltimore County Detention Center. He is being held without bail and is slated to appear for a preliminary hearing in Baltimore County District Court on Sept. 28.

Photo of Shaquiel Griffin courtesy of Baltimore County Police Department.