Detectives are investigating after multiple people are found dead of gunshot wounds in an apparent murder – suicide.

On August 26, 2023, at approximately 11:18 a.m., deputies assigned to the Southern Precinct of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 300 block of Trimble Road for a report of an active shooter situation.

Within two minutes, deputies arrived on scene and entered the apartment where they confirmed multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. In total, four victims were located, three were confirmed deceased on scene. One juvenile victim was severely injured. A deputy, trained as a tactical medic, with assistance from other deputies, evacuated the teen from the active crime scene and began providing emergency care in an effort to save his life. The teen was transported to Shock Trauma; however, he later died from his injuries. Multiple fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies responded to assist.

The investigation was assumed by detectives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Investigators from the Forensic Services Unit responded to collect and preserve physical evidence in support of the investigation.

The suspect and victims have been identified as:

SUSPECT: Devin Brown, 34
VICTIMS: Sherlyn Ann Pitts, 65; Sheena Yvonne Smothers, 38; and a male juvenile, 17.

At this time, it is believed the suspect and his mother, identified as Sherlyn Pitts, both with an address in Baltimore, arrived at the apartment to visit her niece, Sheena Smothers, and her son, a 17-year-old juvenile. At some time during the visit, it is believed, Brown produced a gun and shot the three family members before turning the gun on himself. A motive for the homicide is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this crime, or who may have video of the incident, is asked to call Detective Thumma, with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, at (443) 567-7201