Man's Death in Police Shootout Ruled Suicide

MEDLEY'S NECK - 4/28/2009

 UPDATE: April 28

The State Medical Examiner’s Office has preliminarily determined that the death of Daniel Decker on April 26, was the result of a self inflicted gun shot wound. 

Decker administered the fatal shot immediately prior to being shot by Deputy First Class Cathcart. 

The Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Agency investigations are continuing into the incident.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: On April 25, at approximately 5:26 p.m., Deputies responded to a residence on Belvidere Lane in Leonardtown.  Investigation revealed Daniel Decker, 46 of Leonardtown, had been involved in an intimate relationship with the victim which had ended several weeks ago.

On April 25, Decker unlawfully entered the victim’s residence and began a verbal dispute with the victim.  The victim asked Decker to leave the residence which Decker refused.  Decker produced a long gun and made threats towards the victim and himself.  The victim attempted to leave the residence but Decker grabbed and continued to detain her against her will.  The victim was eventually able to flee the residence and Decker followed her.  The victim entered her vehicle.  Decker jumped on the hood of the victim’s vehicle and pointed the gun at her.  The victim, in fear for her life, pulled out of her driveway causing Decker to fall off of the vehicle.  The victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office and Deputies responded to the victim’s residence but Decker had already fled.  

Evidence from the scene revealed Decker was stalking the victim and threatening to harm himself.  A Missing Person’s Report was completed classifying Decker as a critical missing person.  A countywide broadcast was dispatched in an attempt to locate Decker.  In addition, an arrest warrant was issued for Decker for felony first-degree assault.

On April 26, Sheriff’s Office received information Decker may have returned to the victim’s home.  At approximately 10:20 a.m., deputies responded back to the victim’s residence and attempted to make contact with Decker via telephone and loud speaker.  To ensure the residence was unoccupied, deputies entered.  During the search of the residence deputies encountered suspect Decker who had unlawfully entered the victim’s residence.  Decker was armed and gunfire was exchanged.  Decker was pronounced dead at the scene.  

Detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, as well as Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Professional Responsibilities responded to the scene to assume the investigation.  Deputy First Class Shawn Cathcart, a four and a half year veteran of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, has been placed on administrative leave, per agency policy pending the conclusion of the investigations.

The administrative and criminal investigations are continuing.  Additional Press Releases may follow. 

UPDATE 3:05 p.m. - The situation in Medley's Neck has come to a close. All details of the day's events will be made available as soon as the police release a statement. 

UPDATE 12:19 p.m. - Police have the area closed leading to the private farm residence on Medley's Neck. The suspect has not been apprehended and police area still holding the area in what might be termed a standoff awaiting Special Tactical Units to take conrtol of the situation. More information will be provided as it is made available. 

April 26, 11 a.m. - TheBAYNET.com has learned that Police as part of an investigation carried over from last night were fired upon in area of Belvedere Farm Road in Medley's Neck. Apparently  when police located the subject after searching, they were fired upon and then returned fire. No injuries have been reported at this time.

Police negotiators and S.W.A.T. are said to be enroute to the scene. TBN has a reporter heading to the area and will continue to update this story as events unfold.