Severn Woman Charged in Odenton Murder, Robbery

ODENTON, MD — A Severn woman allegedly in the midst of a night of street robberies has been charged in the murder of an Odenton man at his home, say Anne Arundel County Police. Jessica Marie Chaney, 36, of the 1800 block of Jaybird Court in Severn, was charged Thursday with murder in the random shooting of Nathan Antoine Ford, 24, from the 2200 block of Conquest Way in Odenton.

Police say Ford died from gunshot wounds after he was shot about 10:45 p.m. on Jan. 13. Officers found Ford lying in a yard suffering from a gunshot wound; he later died from his injuries. Detectives learned from witnesses that property was missing from Ford the night he was killed, and Antonio Eugene Diggs, 29, from the 3700 block of Saint Victor Street in Baltimore, was charged Jan. 18 in the murder.

Interviews and physical evidence led investigators to believe Chaney and Diggs were committing random street robberies the night Ford was shot. Police say Diggs fatally shot Ford, and Chaney then drove Diggs from the scene.

Authorities have charged Chaney with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed robbery, robbery and firearm use in a felony crime of violence. She is currently incarcerated in the Anne Arundel County Detention Center on unrelated robbery charges.

Police recently 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 was 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