Edgewood Home Invasion Suspect Charged with Murder: Sheriff

The suspect in a deadly home invasion last week in Edgewood has been charged, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

Robert Jay Smith, 30, of the 1900 block of Millington Square in Bel Air, faces eight charges, including first-degree murder.

The charges stem from a Sept. 20 burglary attempt in the 2500 block of Thornberry Drive in Edgewood, where authorities responded after 11 p.m. and found one man dead inside the home, the sheriff’s office reported.

Javon Brookes Langston, 34, of Aberdeen, was shot in the upper torso and pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the report.

Related: Home Invasion Suspect Killed in Edgewood

Officials said Smith and Langston entered the home, then gunfire ensued when they were confronted by the resident.

The resident was armed, Harford County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle Andersen told Patch.

After the confrontation, Smith left the scene, according to the sheriff’s office; he was taken into custody Sept. 24 for charges including Langston’s death, officials said.

The investigation into a motive continues, Andersen added.

Smith is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, home invasion, armed robbery, robbery, use of a firearm to commit a violent crime, first-degree assault and reckless endangerment, court records show.

The suspects and victim knew one another, according to Andersen, who said investigators believe the incident was isolated.

Originally, officials said that multiple suspects burglarized the home.

“The timeline of events and number of people inside the residence is still under investigation,” Andersen said on Monday, Sept. 28.

A cash reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information. To be eligible, tipsters must use one of the following methods for submitting tips: send a tip online through Harford County Sheriff’s Office; text the tip to Metro Crime Stoppers at 274637 with “MCS” plus the message; or call Harford Crime Solvers at 1-888-540-8477.

Photo of Robert Jay Smith courtesy of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.