Crime & Safety

4 Indicted in Lochearn Man's Murder

Ronald Givens, 55, was a possible witness in a Baltimore City firearms and narcotics case.

A grand jury returned indictments last week against four men for allegedly murdering a Baltimore County man who was a possible witness in a narcotics and firearms case.

Derius Duncan, 22, Keyon Beads, 30, Clifford Butler Jr., 21, and David Johnson, 23, were all indicted in by the grand jury of Baltimore for attempting to bribe and then murder Ronald Givens, 55, of Lochearn, according to a news release.

In March of 2011, Duncan was arrested and charged with firearms and narcotics charges after a “hack”—an unlicensed taxi—operated by Givens was stopped by police.

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On Oct. 4 2011, Givens was found shot dead outside the home he shared with his mother in Baltimore County, just 22 days before he was set to testify against Duncan.

According to the press release from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s office, Duncan was in the Baltimore City Detention Center at the time of the murder, but he allegedly communicated via-email and telephone with Beads and Butler who passed instructions to Johnson.

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Initially, Johnson allegedly tried to bribe Givens, but when that failed police say Duncan ordered Givens be killed.

The indictments are the result of a 10-month investigation by both Baltimore County and Baltimore City agencies, according to the release.

Both Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg Bernstein said the indictment is an example of the importance of the two jurisdictions working together.

"These indictments are proof that no matter which jurisdiction you commit your crime in, law enforcement will work cooperatively to bring all responsible persons to justice," Shellenberger said in the release.    


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