On May 26, 2019, at approximately
11:20 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to
the 35800 block of Bay Drive in Chaptico, for the reported stabbing. Responding officers located the victim, later
identified as Michael Ross Bethea, age 47 of Washington, D.C. suffering from a
stab wound. Lifesaving measures were
attempted by responding officers and emergency personnel, however Bethea was
pronounced deceased on the scene.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the
scene and continued the investigation.
Preliminary investigation
determined the victim was involved in a family dispute, and was subsequently
stabbed outside the residence. The
circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. Anyone with information on this incident is
asked to contact Detective Skyler LeFave at (301) 475-4200 extension *1983 or
by email at Skyler.LeFave@stmarysmd.com.
Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime
Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to
“CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for
an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County
that leads to an arrest or indictment.
