Dion Thompson was the first Defendant indicted by the State’s Attorney’s Office’s newly created Cold Case Homicide Unit
Baltimore (Md.) August 5, 2026 - “Nearly nine years after Sgt. Tony Mason Jr. was senselessly murdered, justice has finally been served to the man responsible. While no amount of time can restore the years Sgt. Mason’s family have lost, today’s sentence of Life plus 33 years ensures that Defendant Dion Thompson will spend the rest of his days being held accountable for the devastating choices he made.
“Sgt. Mason dedicated his life to protecting others. By all accounts, he was the kind of police officer who believed in extending a helping hand, especially to young men who needed guidance and an opportunity to choose a better path. Instead, the Defendant chose to steal the life of a husband, a father, a son, and a public servant whose commitment to his community extended far beyond the badge.
“I want to recognize the extraordinary courage of the surviving victim in this case, whose strength throughout this prosecution was nothing short of remarkable. She endured unimaginable trauma, returned to the courtroom to relive that horrific night, and delivered a powerful victim impact statement that reminded everyone present that the consequences of violent crime do not end when the gunfire stops. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to justice helped ensure that the truth prevailed.” - Ivan J. Bates, State's Attorney