2 black teens charged after unprovoked "knock-out game" style attack kills random 59 year old man at Frederick County Fair
FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. — The Frederick County Sheriff's Office has charged two teens for the random, unprovoked physical attack of a 59-year-old man at the Great Frederick Fair.
The victim was found near the midway area of the fairgrounds around 5:36 p.m. Friday, lying unconscious. Police interviewed multiple witnesses who told them the victim had been minding his own business.
Maryland State Police airlifted the victim to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore where he died from his injuries Saturday. An autopsy is now scheduled at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine an exact cause of death.
According to law enforcement sources, the two teenage suspects, ages 15 and 16, may have been playing the so-called "knockout game" at the time of the wanton attack. A spokesperson for the Frederick County Sheriff's Office would not confirm that notion but stated it would "certainly be looked at."
Authorities have charged the 15-year-old with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. The 16-year-old is charged with second-degree assault. Prosecutors may very well tack on additional counts — such as manslaughter or murder — in light of the victim's death. Both teens are currently in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Services pending a hearing in Frederick County Circuit Court.
Police have not yet identified the 59-year-old victim or either suspect. No weapons are thought to have been used in the assault.
Sources tell ABC7 that two Snapchat videos captured the attack as it unfolded in vivid detail. That video helped identify the teenage suspects involved, sources further shared.
Photos obtained by ABC7 show more than 20 uniformed officers at the fairgrounds and one of the suspects being led away in handcuffs.
"The Great Frederick Fair’s number one priority is the safety and security of our guests," officials stated in a post on the fair's Facebook Page. "To dispel rumors of the events of last night, while there was an assault, there was NO shooting and NO stabbing. The team of security and law enforcement was able to respond rapidly to control and contain the incident. The investigation into this incident remains active and any further information regarding the assault will be released from the Sheriff’s Office."
Anyone with information related to this fatal assault is asked to contact Frederick County Detective Jen Skelley at 301-600-1046, or through the tip line at 301-600-4131.
https://wjla.com/news/local/police-man-dead-after-being-attacked-by-teens-at-great-frederick-fair
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