Victim's Mother Thanked By Prosecutor After Killer Sentenced

LAUREL, MD — The mother of a murder victim, who then started Laurel City Crime Solvers, was recognized Friday by prosecutors after the killer's sentencing. The judgment came 14 years after Brian Moses, 20, was fatally stabbed. Judge Sean Wallace sentenced Michael Duvall, 61, to 30 years in prison for the second-degree murder of Brian Moses, authorities said.

“Mr. Moses’ murder was a senseless tragedy and 14 years is a very long time for a family to have wait on justice for a loved one. Mr. Duvall will finally pay for his crime. I want to thank the City of Laurel Police Department and my prosecutors for the incredible work they did to finally bring this case to a close,” said State’s Attorney Braveboy at a Friday press conference. “I also want to thank the family of Brian Moses, particularly his mother Shirley Bell, who turned her pain into action by creating the Laurel City Crime Solvers to assist other families who are facing similar circumstances.”

Braveboy was joined by City of Laurel Police Chief Russ Hamill, along with the lead detective on the case, Adam Cheek.

“The family and friends of Mr. Moses can finally rest with the knowledge that the person responsible for the murder of their loved one is being held accountable for the crime,” said Chief Hamill, in a news release. “I know this conviction does little to assuage the pain and anguish for Brian’s parents, and other family and friends, but I am hopeful that the efforts of the Laurel Police Department and the State’s Attorney’s Office bring them, and the Laurel community, some peace and comfort moving forward.”

Moses, 20, was stabbed on Sept. 15, 2005. According to investigators, he was found semiconscious in a car that had been involved in a single-vehicle crash on West Street near Laurel City Hall. He was rushed to Prince George’s Hospital and died on Oct. 9, 2005. At the time police didn’t have enough evidence to make an arrest.

In 2016, the case was reopened. With information from a key witness, police arrested Duvall. During the trial prosecutors argued that he killed Moses for selling him fake drugs. Duvall was found guilty on Oct. 24, 2019.