Columbia Man Charged With Murder, Assault: Police

COLUMBIA, MD — Police said a man has been charged in the May 5 murder of a Columbia woman and the assault of her boyfriend. Investigators allege the man got into their apartment through a window, hit them with a baseball bat and robbed them.

Wilson Orellana-Lemus, 22, of Tamebird Court in Columbia, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, home invasion and theft, police reported on Saturday, May 11.

The charges stem from the slaying of Amanda Nicole Harris, 36, who was found dead in her apartment in the 8800 block of Spiral Cut in Columbia on Sunday, May 5, and the assault of her boyfriend William James Webb, 42, of the same address. Webb was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center suffering from blunt force trauma, which both he and Harris had suffered in the attack. Police said Webb remains in critical condition as of Saturday, May 11.

Concerned relatives had called 911 to ask officers to check on the residence in the 8800 block of Spiral Cut at 5:43 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, according to police, who found the two victims inside.

Detectives developed Orellana-Lemus as a suspect and believe he stole Harris’ jewelry and a cell phone from the apartment, where he got in through a window that was unlocked. Police said it did not appear that he knew the victims.

Orellana-Lemus was arrested Saturday morning and is being held without bail at the Howard County Detention Center, officials said.

• Columbia Murder: Homicide Victim Identified, $5K Reward Offered
• Celebration Of Life Planned For Amanda Harris, 36