In a pre-trial hearing, defense attorney Koryn High motioned to suppress physical evidence of a firearm recovered on Sept. 9, 2025 by detectives. She argued the action taken by detectives was illegal before Judge Dana M. Middleton on July 31.
According to court documents, on Sept. 9, 2025 detectives were in the 4900 block of Pimlico Road where they observed a man with a “bulging L shape” in his waist band. Detectives then conducted a weapons pat down and say they felt a hard “L” shaped object consistent with the shape and size of a firearm. The firearm allegedly recovered belonged to the defendant, Dontaye Richardson, 32.
It was later test fired and was found to be a potential match to shell casings connected to the killing of Major Smith, 61, on Aug. 31, 2025 in the 5000 block of Palmer Avenue.
As a result, Richardson is being charged with first-degree murder and multiple firearm violations.
Surveillance footage from Aug. 31, 2025, shows Richardson allegedly shooting Smith multiple times who fell to the ground and Richardson, according to the video, shot Smith again.
The surveillance footage was shown to the arresting detectives who were all able to identify a person in the footage said to be Richardson who they arrested on Sept. 9, 2025.
During the motion hearing, the defense argued that there was no probable cause for detectives to seize and arrest Richardson and that he was given no indication that they would search him for a firearm. The state argued that the detectives did a step-by-step investigation to confirm their initial suspicions of Richardson carrying a firearm.
Judge Middleton denied the motion to suppress ruling there was probable cause to conduct the search to confirm suspicion of a weapon.
