Columbia Murder: Homicide Victim Identified, $5K Reward Offered

COLUMBIA, MD — The day after a woman was murdered and a man assaulted in a Columbia apartment, the Howard County Police Department is offering a reward for information. Officials are asking people who may have seen or heard anything in the area overnight to come forward. The reward is up to $5,000.

Amanda Nicole Harris, 36, was found dead at an apartment in the 8800 block of Spiral Cut in Columbia on Sunday, May 5, police said.

William James Webb, 42, of the same address, is in critical condition at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center after he was assaulted, officials reported Monday.

Police said that both Harris and Webb suffered blunt force trauma.

A motive has not been determined in the assault and homicide, police said, and it is unclear whether the suspect(s) knew the victims.

RELATED: Columbia Homicide Investigation Follows Apartment Discovery

The apartment was secure when officers responded at the request of family members. 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.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone in the area between Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, who may have heard or seen anything that could be related to the case.

Call police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.