From The Banner · Cody Boteler · · 1m 30s
Woman killed outside Hanover retirement home
A 27-year-old had just clocked off work when a man she knew shot her, then vanished into the woods.
In brief
A 27-year-old had just clocked off work when a man she knew shot her, then vanished into the woods. Police say Asia Natee Virginia Thomas was killed by Deontae Tranell Bryant after an altercation outside her workplace; he later died by suicide. Originally reported by The Banner.
Shooting outside a retirement home
Anne Arundel County police were called to Morningside House of Friendship in Hanover around 8:50 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, after multiple reports of gunfire.
A woman dead at the scene
Officers found a woman with gunshot wounds outside the building. She was pronounced dead there. Witnesses said a man ran off into a large wooded area right after the shots.
The victim had just finished work
Police identified her as Asia Natee Virginia Thomas, 27, of Baltimore. She had just ended a shift at Morningside House and was sitting outside with Deontae Tranell Bryant, 25, of Aberdeen.
“just finished”
An altercation, then gunfire
Police said Thomas and Bryant knew each other but would not describe the relationship. They said an altercation came before Bryant shot her and fled.
“altercation”
Found the next day
A nighttime search with an extended perimeter turned up nothing. During a secondary daylight search, police found Bryant dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“secondary daylight search”
Questions still open
Police have not said when Bryant was found or whether a weapon was recovered. The investigation continues, and homicide detectives are asking for tips at 410-222-4731.
The big picture
Police say Asia Natee Virginia Thomas was killed by Deontae Tranell Bryant after an altercation outside her workplace; he later died by suicide.
