Self Defense Ruled In Rosedale Stabbing

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A man involved in a fatal stabbing in the Rosedale area has been released from police custody, officials said on Thursday. He will not be identified, according to authorities, who cited state law in protecting the individual's identity.

Paul Michael Connolly III, 25, of the 5600 block of Utrecht Road, was stabbed in the 5600 block of Utrecht Road at 11:24 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, police said.

The man had knocked on Connolly's front door to confront residents there about allegedly stealing his property when Connolly and another man came outside and the three got into an argument, officials reported.

Authorities said a large dog owned by one of the residents attacked the outsider.

"Police determined that Connolly and the man pulled out knives and Connolly was stabbed," officials said in a statement on Thursday.

Connolly was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased, officials said.

Authorities said they found evidence of a struggle and after extensive interviews, they released the man from custody.

The investigation into the death of Connolly and the theft is ongoing, police reported Thursday.

"Baltimore County Police are investigating this homicide as justifiable self-defense and no charges have been placed at this time," the department reported. "Police cannot release any identifying information about the man involved in this incident, under state law."

For self-defense claims in Maryland, the accused must have not been the one who provoked the conflict, had reason to believe and actually believed his life was in danger and not used more force than the situation demanded.

SEE ALSO: Deadly Stabbing Near Rosedale Began With Argument

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