EASTON, Md. — A 31-year-old man is in custody after he allegedly killed a 72-year-old man inside a Talbot County YMCA.
It happened on Thursday, just before 8 a.m., when Easton Police were called for an altercation at the YMCA, on Peachblossm Avenue.
Arriving officers first found Andre LaMont Price Jefferson, lying on the floor of the lobby. They then located John Joseph Cassidy, suffering from apparent stab wounds on the floor of the men's locker room.
Both men were taken to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center of Easton.
Cassidy didn't make it, and died a short time later. Jefferson was released into the custody of police and has since been charged with first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, armed robbery, reckless endangerment, and weapons violations.
Police say Jefferson went into the locker room armed with a knife with the intent to rob Cassidy, but that the situation ultimately escalated to Jefferson attacking Cassidy, stabbing him multiple times with a 3-inch folding pocket knife.
Afterwards, Jefferson tried leaving the YMCA but was stopped by staff.
Police said the situation could have been more tragic, as Jefferson reportedly first walked into Easton Middle School, which sits across the street from the Y, prior to when students arrive. A school administrator, and a school security officer confronted Jefferson and escorted him outside with the help of a Talbot County resource officer. They then contacted Easton Police.
The YMCA closed for the rest of the day after the incident and said they would announce when they would re-open at a later time.
"A terrible tragedy occurred at the Easton Family YMCA this morning," the YMCA said in a statement. "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."
Jefferson is currently being held without bond pending a June 10 hearing.
