Teen Party Host Who Fatally Stabbed Man Will Not Face Charges

A 16-year-old party host who fought with burglary suspects at his house acted in self-defense and will not be charged in the death of an Odenton man, authorities announced Thursday.

Jesse Gage Brousseau, 19, of Crofton, died July 10 in the roadway near Winer Road and Bruce Avenue from stab wounds. Anne Arundel County Police say he fought with the party host after several suspects repeatedly broke into the home in the 700 block of Sunny Chapel Road in Odenton. The boy’s parents were out of town that night.

Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams said in a statement Thursday that criminal charges are not warranted against the unidentified 16-year-old in Brousseau’s death, calling the events of that night tragic. The younger teen acted in lawful self-defense, Adams said.

See Also: Two More Arrests in Burglary, Fight and Odenton Man’s Fatal Stabbing

After reviewing witness interviews and the evidence to make his decision, Adams said he met with Brousseau’s parents to share his decision.

Bryant and Cathy Brousseau released this statement about the death of their son:

“This is not who Jesse was. He was a good kid. Jesse was going to college to study criminal Justice. Jesse was caught up with the wrong people in a bad situation that night. We love him and we miss him, and would like our privacy respected.”

Adams said he hopes the consequences of Brousseau’s death and the charges filed against three burglary suspects reminds “all young people and their parents of how easy a high school party, without parental control, can quickly turn deadly. Our office encourages ongoing vigilance by parents and neighbors alike, as our children need support and structure more than ever.”

Suspects Facing Charges

Donovan Christopher Brown, 18, of Odenton was charged with multiple counts of theft, third-degree burglary and fourth-degree burglary in the case. Police say Brown was present during an earlier burglary, but was not when Brousseau was stabbed, police say.

A second person injured in the incident was identified as Allen Johnson, 19, of Crofton, who faces charges of first-degree burglary, theft, and assault.

In addition, a 17-year-old girl was charged on a juvenile citation with first-degree burglary and theft. She was released to the custody of a relative.