UPDATE: A suspect has been arrested in connection with this case. He has been identified as 62-year-old Manzie Smith Jr.

Original story below…

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BALTIMORE, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Wednesday issued the following statement on the murder of a 69-year-old grandmother in Baltimore:

“The murder of a 69-year-old grandmother inside a church in East Baltimore has shaken city residents and community leaders to the core. It follows a string of senseless violence that includes a barber shop killing, and the assault of a priest in broad daylight in Little Italy just last week.

“People are hurting, they’re scared, and they’re searching for answers. They want to know why this bloodshed keeps happening, and what it’s going to take for something to change.

“This heartbreaking violence is tearing the city apart. Enough is enough. We need immediate action.

“Today, I directed the Maryland State Police and all state law enforcement agencies to immediately assist the Baltimore Police Department with its investigation and to provide enhanced visibility patrols in an all-hands-on-deck effort.

“The State of Maryland is also offering an additional $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the murder of Evelyn Player. We are calling on the city to use any resources at its disposal to match this reward.

“As we work to bring swift justice, Evelyn’s family and loved ones are in our prayers.”

Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said the victim went into Southern Baptist Church, located in the 1700-block of N. Chester Street in Baltimore, and unlocked the door at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning to perform her usual duties and to allow contractors inside to continue renovations.

At just after 6:45 a.m., a maintenance worker found her body in a church bathroom.