BALTIMORE — The trial of the then 14 year old who raped and murdered an 83-year-old woman has been postponed until September.
Tyrone Harvin was charged as an adult in the murder of Dorothy Mae Neal, who died of “blunt force trauma,” two days after being attacked in her Bridgeview/Greenlawn apartment.
Police said they linked Harvinto the murder through condoms, finger prints, and other evidence found at the scene. Police said there was no sign of force entry at the home, and they believe Harvin knew Neal, as many people in the neighborhood helped the elderly woman with routine tasks in and around her house. Police discovered Neal’s death after neighbors called to ask for a wellness check since they had not seen her in a few days. Neal was originally brought to the hospital after being found badly beaten in her home. She died two days later.
The brutality of the death, the near 70-year age gap between the victim and the alleged perpetrator, and Harvin’s young age generally, caused shock among many, including police. Harvin’s mother believes police wrongly identified her son as Neal’s killer.
Harvin faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, first-degree sex offense, perverted practice, and use of deadly weapon with intent to injure. He is being represented by the Public Defender’s Office.
Harvin’s new trial is scheduled for Sept. 24.
