Defendant Dontaye Montez Carter faces charges related to the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Kenneth Lawson
Baltimore, Md. (June 11, 2026) – Today, State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates, Cold Case Unit Chief Kurt Bjorklund, Firearms & Drug Trafficking Unit Chief Jennifer Brady, and Baltimore Police announced charges against Defendant Dontaye Montez Carter related to the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Kenneth Lawson, who was found deceased on the southbound Route 295 entrance ramp from the Westport neighborhood in January of 2022. The Defendant is charged with First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder Resulting in Death, Kidnapping, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and related charges. Individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial.
“The facts alleged in this case paint a disturbing picture of the retaliatory violence that plagued our city in 2022 and continues to surface today. This case underscores how crimes such as carjackings can escalate into devastating, life-altering acts of violence. Let me be clear, no one deserves to be murdered and left discarded on the side of a road. For more than four years, Mr. Lawson’s loved ones have endured the unimaginable pain of waiting for justice to begin its course,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “Today’s announcement represents an important first step toward accountability. It would not have been possible without the exceptional collaboration between our Cold Case and Firearm & Drug Trafficking Units and the dedicated homicide detectives of the Baltimore Police Department, whose relentless efforts helped move this case forward.”
On January 22, 2022, at approximately 8:30 p.m., 20-year-old Kenneth Lawson was found deceased on the southbound Route 295 entrance ramp from Westport in Baltimore City, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation established that on January 21, 2022, the victim and others committed an armed carjacking of the Defendant, Dontaye Carter, and stole his car, cell phone, shoes, clothing, and watch. The Defendant later told detectives that he did not know who robbed him because the offenders were wearing masks. However, security camera footage recovered from the carjacking scene showed Lawson lowering his face mask and exposing his full face to Carter during the incident.
“This case is a true testament to the dedication and perseverance of our homicide detectives, who have worked tirelessly since 2022 to seek justice for Mr. Lawson and his family,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “Detectives continued to work on this investigation, following every lead and working in close collaboration with the State’s Attorney’s Office to charge the case. Today’s announcement sends a clear message: we remain committed to pursuing justice for victims and holding those responsible for acts of violence accountable.”
After the carjacking, Carter used the “Find My iPhone” app to track his stolen phone. The phone last pinged on Bakbury Court, in close proximity to Lawson’s residence. Further investigation revealed that through social media and other channels, Carter was able to identify Lawson as one of the persons who carjacked him. Carter began sharing screenshots of Lawson’s social media pages, including photographs of Lawson, his nickname, and his address, with his associates.
Investigation revealed that Lawson was kidnapped or lured to the Westport area, where his body was discovered, and killed in retaliation for the carjacking.