From The Banner · Justin Fenton · · 1m 40s
Suicide of Most Wanted Suspect Sparks Police-Prosecutor Clash
Baltimore’s state’s attorney criticizes police for publicizing a teen suspect’s search after his suicide.
In brief
Baltimore’s state’s attorney criticizes police for publicizing a teen suspect’s search after his suicide. Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates accused police of contributing to a teen’s suicide by publicizing his search after he was identified as the shooter in a murder case. Originally reported by The Banner.
Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates
Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates criticizes police for publicizing a teen murder suspect’s search.
Police and Mayor Push Back
Police and Mayor Brandon Scott say they followed protocols in a high-profile case involving an elusive suspect.
Jada Sellers’ Shooting
Jada Sellers, a 17-year-old honor student, was shot on July 31 and died two weeks later.
Christian Hursey Identified
Police identified Christian Hursey as the suspect in Sellers’ murder after he was hospitalized in a coma.
Police Publicize Search
Police put out a flyer naming Hursey 'Baltimore’s Most Wanted' for Sellers’ murder.
Bates’ Concerns
Bates discovered Hursey witnessed his father kill his mother as a child and feared he could harm himself.
Suicide Occurs
Hursey shot himself when police moved to serve a search warrant at his home.
Internal Debate
Prosecutors wanted to delay publicizing Hursey to avoid tainting the investigation.
Bates’ Statement
Bates wrote his concerns were realized after Hursey’s suicide.
Police Response
Police say they followed protocols and that Hursey was responsible for his actions.
Family Connection
Sellers’ family declined to comment, citing prior statements about police efforts.
Bates’ Concerns Unaddressed
Police did not receive Bates’ concerns about Hursey’s potential self-harm.
What Happened Next
Bates and police continue their public disagreement over handling high-profile cases.
What matters most
Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates accused police of contributing to a teen’s suicide by publicizing his search after he was identified as the shooter in a murder case.
