A man in Hagerstown, Maryland has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing a woman multiple times. The suspect, Brandon Lamont Howard, allegedly attacked the victim inside an apartment. The woman was treated and released from the hospital, while Howard remains in custody. Julie E. Greene reported
City Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Stabbing Incident in Hagerstown
Hagerstown Police responded to a disturbance call on Sunday evening and found bystanders restraining a city man. The man, identified as Brandon Lamont Howard, 41, of Baltimore Street in Hagerstown, was later charged with attempted second-degree murder. The victim, Lindsey S. Fisher, 34, of Hagerstown, was found with multiple stab wounds in a building on the east side of North Mulberry Street. Fisher has since been treated and released from the hospital.
During the bond hearings, Judge Eric W. Schaffer ordered Howard, who was still in the hospital, to be held without bond. The bond review hearing was postponed as Howard was unable to appear via video screen from the Washington County Detention Center, as is typical for defendants at bond reviews in the local District Court. Schaffer serves as the District Court administrative judge for Washington and Frederick counties.
According to charging documents, Fisher told the police that Howard stabbed her inside an apartment on the west side of North Mulberry Street. Fisher also mentioned that Howard had been smoking “dippers” in the apartment before the stabbing. The term “dippers” is slang for cigarettes dipped in PCP.
Blood Evidence Found Inside and Outside the Building
Police arrived at the scene and discovered blood both inside and outside the building. They also encountered a man who claimed that Howard had hit his vehicle parked in front of the address where Fisher was found. The man confronted Howard, and they engaged in a physical altercation. The man directed the police to his car, where they found an open knife with a multicolored handle and a black blade. This knife is believed to be the weapon used against Fisher.
Multiple witnesses were interviewed by the police. One witness reported seeing Fisher running down the street from a man who appeared to be holding a knife. The witness alleged that the man was yelling threats and disregarding the presence of law enforcement. Another witness stated that they were watching TV with Fisher and Howard in the apartment when Howard suddenly started screaming and attacking Fisher. This witness left the apartment but heard Fisher screaming shortly after. Upon returning to the apartment, they saw Howard on top of Fisher, assaulting her. The attacker then chased the witness to the second floor and out the back door.
Fisher sustained multiple stab wounds, including in her left arm, right forearm, left breast, and left ear. She also suffered a punctured lung, which was considered life-threatening. Howard, on the other hand, was injured during his fight with the car owner and was taken to the hospital for treatment. As of Wednesday morning, Howard was in good condition at the hospital.
In addition to the charge of attempted second-degree murder, Howard also faces charges of first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.