UPDATED: Suspect Charged with Murder in Easton YMCA Stabbing
UPDATED 6/6/2019 at 7:40 p.m. — One person is dead after a 31-year-old man stabbed a 72-year-old victim at the Easton Family YMCA located on Peachblossom Road this morning.
Jefferson was charged with the following: 1st and 2nd Degree Murder, 1st and 2nd Degree Assault, Armed Robbery and Robbery, Reckless Endangerment, wear and carry a concealed weapon and attempted theft under $100.00. Jefferson was sent to the talbot County Detention Center.
31-year-old Andre Jefferson, Image Courtesy Easton Police
The incident took place before 8 a.m. on Thursday. The suspect, 31-year-old Andre LaMont Price Jefferson of Easton was laying on the lobby floor when Officers arrived. The victim, 72-year-old John Joseph Cassidy of Easton was on the floor of the men’s locker room. Both men were transported by ambulance to the University of Maryland – Easton Hospital. Cassidy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Jefferson was treated and was taken back to the Easton Police Department for further questioning.
Deputy Chief Greg Wright of the Easton Police Department tells WGMD’s Hunter Landon “Investigation is revealing that an altercation occurred in the men’s locker where Jefferson caused the injuries that resulted in the death of Cassidy. The motive and any known relationship between the males are still under investigation.”
Investigators interviewed potential witnesses on the scene. Maryland State Police, the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office and Talbot County Emergency Services all assisted in the response and investigation.
The Easton Family YMCA closed after the incident. They released the following statement on Facebook hours after the incident.
“A terrible tragedy occurred at the Easton Family YMCA this morning. There is an ongoing police investigation so we are limited in what we can say. Our staff team is currently with crisis counselors and are deeply saddened by today’s events. Please keep those involved in your prayers. The Y is the front porch of this community and will continue to be. We will remain closed today and as soon as we can provide more information we will.”
Despite the close proximity to Easton Middle School, Deputy Chief Wright tells WGMD’s Hunter Landon there was never a lockdown at the school because there was not an immediate threat to students or staff.
