Police Charge Three in Connection With Shooting Death of Five-Year-Old in Dorchester County; Arrests Made in Hurlock Non-Fatal Shooting Hours Earlier

(LINKWOOD, MD) – Maryland State Police arrested and charged two Dorchester County men and a woman last week in connection with the shooting death of a five-year-old girl in Linkwood earlier this month. Additionally, investigators have arrested and charged a Dorchester County man and a juvenile in connection with a non-fatal shooting in Hurlock that occurred hours earlier. 

“These arrests are the result of the dedication, persistence, and thorough investigative work of our troopers, forensic team, and investigators,” said Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. “These incidents crossed multiple jurisdictions, and our investigators remained committed to following every lead, examining the evidence, and working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners. Their efforts send a clear message to this community that this type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated.”

The accused are identified as Anthony D. Harris, 26, of Hurlock, Maryland, and Wendell A. Wongus III, 23, of Hurlock, Maryland. Both are charged with first-degree murder and other related charges. Investigators also charged Lindsay Jo Ewing, 42, of Cambridge, Maryland, with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and other related charges. Harris, Wongus and Ewing are being held without bond. 

Around 2:17 a.m. on August 11, 2026, troopers from the Maryland State Police Easton Barrack responded to a residence in the 3900-block of Ocean Gateway for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival on the scene, troopers located two victims with suspected gunshot wounds. The five-year-old was pronounced deceased on the scene by emergency medical services personnel. A 30-year-old male, identified as Ryan Adams, was flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a local trauma center for treatment of his injuries. Adams' five-year-old child lived at the residence on Ocean Gateway.

Information gleaned during the investigation indicated that a shooting in Hurlock, Maryland, several hours earlier was connected to the fatal shooting in Linkwood. The preliminary investigation indicates that a 15-year-old male, later identified as Adams’ nephew, was involved in an altercation at a residence on Gold Rush Lane. The juvenile then called Adams, who arrived at the residence a short time later and opened fire, striking the 14-year-old. 

The 15-year-old has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and other related charges. He is currently being held at the Lower Eastern Shore Children’s Center. Adams is charged with attempted first- and-second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and other related charges. He remains at the hospital for treatment of his injuries.   

During the homicide investigation, investigators were able to learn about communication between Ewing and Harris related to the Linkwood shooting. Investigators believe Ewing used sources not available to the general public while employed at the office of a defense attorney to assist Harris in evading detection by law enforcement for the homicide. 

“The Dorchester County State’s Attorney determined that her office had a conflict and contacted me to request Wicomico County’s assistance in these matters. Violent crime in Dorchester County affects the entire Lower Eastern Shore and, most importantly, can tragically alter the lives of victims, families, and communities for generations,” said Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie Dykes. "My Office will do everything lawfully and ethically within our authority to ensure that these cases are handled fairly, thoroughly, and with the seriousness they deserve. Our responsibility is to follow the facts, apply the law, and pursue justice while protecting the integrity of the process.”

The investigation is being led by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit with assistance from the Forensic Sciences Division, Special Operations Division, the FBI, Hurlock Police Department, and other allied law enforcement agencies, as well as the Offices of the State’s Attorney in Wicomico and Dorchester Counties. 

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit tip line at 202-953-1903. The Maryland State Police and the FBI are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that may lead to an arrest in this investigation. Callers may remain anonymous.

“The FBI extends our deepest sympathies to the family of the innocent five-year-old who was killed,” said Jimmy Paul, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Baltimore Field Office. “We’re contributing $15,000 to the reward for information to identify everyone involved in her murder. If you know something about this shooting, share it with us.”

The investigation remains active.

Anthony Harris

Wendall A. Wongus III

Lindsay Ewing