Crime & Safety

Intruder Killed in Essex Home Invasion is Identified

Kenneth David Cox, 24, was one of two intruders who forced their way into an Essex apartment early Sunday morning, police say.

Baltimore County Police Department officials on Monday released the identity of an intruder who was killed early Sunday after he and an accomplice forced their way into an Essex apartment.

Kenneth David Cox, 24, of an unknown address, died after being struck in the head with a blunt object by the resident of the apartment in the 1400 block of Strawflower Road. The resident was able to fight back even after being shot several times by Cox, according to police officials.

Cox was one of two armed intruders who forced their way into the Essex apartment around 1:25 a.m. Sunday, police said. The men intended to rob the man living there, according to police officials.

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The resident and the intruder now identified as Cox got into a fight. The resident of the apartment was shot several times. The injured man was able to hit Cox in the head with an unidentified blunt object. Cox died at the scene, according to Lt. Robert McCullough, in an interview Sunday.

The second intruder then fled, according to McCullough.

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There is no description of the second suspect at this time, according to spokeswoman Cpl. Cathy Batton.

Baltimore County detectives do not believe this was a random attack, according to Batton. Investigators are still working to determine the exact relationship, if any, between the victim and the two suspects, according to a statement issued Monday by Batton.

The victim was taken to an area hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.

Homicide detectives are investigating the case. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the police, 410-307-2020.


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