Baltimore Man Charged in Odenton Robbery, Homicide: Police

ODENTON, MD — The murder of an Odenton man at his home was the result of a robbery and random actof violence, say Anne Arundel County Police, who have charged a Baltimore man in the fatal shooting. Nathan Antoine Ford, 24, from the 2200 block of Conquest Way in Odenton died from gunshot wounds after he was shot about 10:45 p.m. on Jan. 13.

Officers found Ford lying in a yard in the 2200 block of Conquest Way suffering from a gunshot wound. While police and fire department personnel treated Ford at the scene, he later died from his injuries. Detectives learned from witnesses that property was missing from Ford the night he was shot and killed, and a suspect was identified as Antonio Eugene Diggs, 29, from the 3700 block of Saint Victor Street in Baltimore.

On Wednesday, police executed several search warrants and reportedly found evidence linking Diggs to Ford's murder. Diggs is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, armed robbery, first-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, and theft less than $1,000.

Investigators say Ford's fatal shooting was a random act of violence described as a citizen robbery/murder.

Police on Thursday reminded residents to always be aware of their surroundings and shared safety tips to help prevent you from becoming a crime victim:

• When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you. Try to park in well-lit areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.
• Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets such as cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.
• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.
• Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door. Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.
• If someone tries to rob you, give up your property — don’t give up your life. If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately which could prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

Ford’s death is the second homicide in Anne Arundel County this year, the first was the Jan. 2 shooting death of Terry Crouse, 55, outside his residence in the 1800 block of Kimberwicke Place in Annapolis. Calum Jeramiah Thomas, 19, from the 10th block of Washington Drive in Annapolis, was arrested Jan. 16 by Anne Arundel County Police and charged in Crouse's murder.

Investigators say Crouse's shooting was not a random act of violence, but police have not disclosed what the motive might be for the shooting.

Anne Arundel County Police ask anyone with information on Ford's murder to call the Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. Tipsters may remain anonymous by calling the department's Tip Line at 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

»Photo of homicide suspect Antonio Eugene Diggs, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police