Harford Sheriff Makes Arrest In Murder Of Edgewood Teen

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — An 18-year-old from Abingdon has been charged with murder in the death of a 15-year-old from Edgewood. They were known members of opposing street gangs in Harford County, according to authorities, who believe there may be other suspects involved.

Khalil Johnson, 15, was fatally shot on the Fourth of July, and authorities with the Harford County Sheriff's Office announced an arrest in the case Monday, July 8.

Rahzir Meyers, 18, of Abingdon, is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, using a firearm in a felony crime, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, having a handgun on his person and possession of a firearm by someone younger than 21.

Authorities said they issued a warrant for his arrest in the murder Sunday, July 7.

Johnson's death was ruled a homicide; he died of a gunshot wound to the upper body, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler reported at a press conference Monday, July 8.

At 12:11 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, deputies were dispatched to the 1900 block of Eloise Lane in Edgewood for a report of a shooting, he said. When officers arrived, there was a "large uncooperative crowd" of approximately 50 people outside the residence where they were told a victim was inside, and officers were at first not permitted into the home by people in the residence, Gahler said. He noted this hindered the ability of deputies to get to the victim quickly.

"Contrary to that, I am very appreciative of the support of our community [after the fact], in the form of members coming forward to share information that assisted investigators in this case," Gahler said.

Later, detectives determined Johnson had been shot in the area of Brookside Drive and Eloise Lane, then ran into the residence on Eloise Lane.

"Information has come to the attention of investigators repeatedly indicating that Rahzir Meyers, 18, of Abingdon, was involved in this shooting," Gahler said. "Investigators remain hopeful to identify other potential suspects who may have been involved in this incident, either before or after the shooting."

Meyers and Johnson were members of opposing street gangs, according to officials.

"Investigators have heard different things," Gahler said, regarding a motive. "I don't think we've nailed down any one specific issue or motive."

Before he was charged in the murder, Meyers was taken into custody on a less serious charge.

Meyers was arrested July 5 by the crime suppression unit of the Harford County Sheriff's Office and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Gahler said. He was released after posting $10,000 bond on July 7, Gahler said.

While he was detained, detectives worked on the case and were able to charge him in the homicide, Gahler said, and they obtained a warrant for his arrest July 7.

"He actually turned himself in here with family members to the lobby," Gahler said, speaking at a press conference in the Harford County Sheriff's Office headquarters on Main Street in Bel Air.

"We ask members of our community who have knowledge of the events or information related to the murder" to come forward, Gahler said. People are asked to call the lead investigator in the case Detective Mike Berg at 443-409-3302.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with funeral expenses for Johnson. A vigil was also held in his memory on Saturday, July 6.

RELATED:

• Vigil Held For Edgewood Teen Shot, Killed In July 4 Homicide
• 15-Year-Old Boy Killed In Edgewood Shooting

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