3.28.11: Blood Trail from Self-Inflicted Would Leads Police to Murder
March 28, 2011 -- Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Edward R. K. Hargadon sentenced Taron Melvin, 28, today to 30 years in prison, the first five years without the possibility of parole, after a jury found him guilty on January 12, 2011, of second-degree murder, use of a handgun in a crime of violence, and possession of a handgun by a prohibited person
On August 26, 2009, Shaun Williams was found in an alley near the 3200 block of Lyndale Avenue with a gunshot wound to his leg, which ultimately claimed his life. While examining the location where the victim was found, Baltimore City Police detectives found a blood trail leading to the backdoor of a residence on the 3200 block of Elmely Avenue. Inside, police discovered Melvin with a gunshot wound to his foot, which was later determined to be self inflicted. Police matched the shell casings recovered from the scene to a firearm registered to Melvin's girlfriend. The gun was never recovered. Investigators also established a DNA link between the blood trail and Melvin.
A repeat offender, Melvin was convicted of robbery with a deadly weapon in Baltimore County in 2001.
Assistant State's Attorney Robyne Szokoly prosecuted the case.