JOPPA, MD—Detectives are investigating after multiple people were found dead of gunshot wounds in an apparent murder–suicide in Joppa.

At just after 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, deputies with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 300-block of Trimble Road for a report of an active shooter situation.

Within minutes, deputies arrived on the scene and entered the apartment where they confirmed multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. In total, four victims were located.  Three were pronounced dead at the scene and one juvenile victim was severely injured.

The teen was transported to Shock Trauma but later died from his injuries.

The suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Devin Brown, of Baltimore.  The victims have been identified as Sherlyn Ann Pitts, 65; Sheena Yvonne Smothers, 38; and a male juvenile, 17.

It is believed the suspect and his mother, identified as Sherlyn Pitts, both with an address in Baltimore, arrived at the apartment to visit her niece, Sheena Smothers, and her son, a 17-year-old juvenile.

At some time during the visit, police say Brown produced a gun and shot the three family members before turning the gun on himself. A motive for the homicide is still under investigation.

Anyone with information on this crime, or who may have video of the incident, is asked to call Detective Thumma with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigations Division at 443-567-7201.