Shady Side Shootings Ruled Murders, $10K Reward Offered

SHADY SIDE, MD — The fatal shootings of a man and a woman last month in Shady Side have been ruled homicides by the Maryland Medical Examiner's office. Anne Arundel County Police said Friday that Leslie Michael Smith, 48, and Linda Lynn McKenzie, 44, were killed when gunshots were reported in the area of Scott Town Road and Nick Road in Shady Side.

The victims were romantically involved and lived together on a boat on Rock Hold Creek in Deale, police spokesman Lt. Ryan Frashure said. The case is being investigated as a double murder and a reward of $10,000 is being offered for tips that lead to an arrest in the case.

Smith and McKenzie were found about 12:30 a.m. on June 1 lying in the area of Scott Town Road, suffering from gunshot injuries, and they were pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not identified disclosed a possible motive for the shootings, but said they do not believe there is a threat to the public.

Both bodies were taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where autopsies were performed to determine the exact cause and manner of death. Those results, released Friday, said both Smith and McKenzie died from gunshots and the deaths were homicides.

Several patrol officers, canine officers, and a police helicopter searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspects.

Detectives have interviewed several witnesses in this case and have received leads which are being pursued, the department said. Investigators say the shootings were a targeted incident and not a random act of violence.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the deaths of Smith and McKenzie. Homicide detectives believe witnesses might be more likely to come forward and discuss the event since the shootings happened more than a month ago. Detectives realize relationships change where witnesses may have moved from the area and may be more comfortable with assisting with the investigation, police said in a news release.

Anyone with information on the murders of Leslie Smith and Linda McKenzie is asked to contact the Anne Arundel County Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. If people with information wish to remain anonymous they can also contact the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line 410-222-4700 or call your tip in to Metro Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-866-7LOCKUP or text “MCS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

»Photos of Leslie Smith and Linda McKenzie, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police