After Woodbine Shooting, County Exec Weighs In On Public Concern

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A Howard County Executive says he has the “utmost confidence” in county law enforcement in light of concerns surrounding a fatal shooting in Woodbine. On Tuesday, Calvin Ball also urged the public to “patient and empathetic” while the investigation continues.

Ball released the statement pertaining to last Sunday’s shooting that killed Gerardo Alberto Espinoza of Chantilly, Va. Espinoza was staying at a friend's Woodbine home before he was fatally shot by Charles Dorsey after trying to get into Dorsey's house.

While the incident was classified as a would-be home intrusion, Espinoza's friends and family said he likely was intoxicated and confused, and ended up at the wrong house by accident. They also questioned Howard County Police’s handling of the case, claiming police never made an effort to include them in the investigation.

Ball released the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened by any loss of life, particularly in our county and I pray that our community will be guided by our better nature to come together as one.

Amid recent events, as much of the media and social media attention has gone to the heartbreaking news out of Woodbine earlier this week, many have come to us with questions. Currently, the Howard County Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation. I have the utmost confidence in both our Police and in State’s Attorney Rich Gibson to handle this delicate situation with care and professionalism.

As we await more information, I encourage all our residents to be patient and empathetic during this difficult and trying time. We will continue to prioritize the safety of all and maintain the shared values of our community.

In moments like this, we can allow division to grow or we can choose to embrace our shared humanity and our daily commitment to public safety, civility and compassion.”

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