On June 1, 2017, at approximately 12:36 a.m., officers responded to the area of Scott Town Road and Nick Road in Shady Side for a citizen’s report of gun shots heard in the area. When officers arrived, they located an adult male and adult female lying in the area of Scott Town Road suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Several patrol officers, canine officers, and police helicopter responded to canvass the area but were unable to locate any suspects.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene and detectives were called to assist.  The Homicide Unit assisted by the Evidence Collection Unit responded and began processing the crime scene.  Through investigation, it was discovered that the two victims were involved in a relationship and lived together on a house boat in the Rock Hold Creek area.  Both victims were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where autopsies were performed and it was ruled that Leslie Smith and Linda McKenzie’s cause of death was gunshot wound(s) with the manner being a homicide. Detectives have interviewed several witnesses in this case and have received leads in which they are actively pursuing.  The investigation has revealed this was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence.

Since the murder occurred, the Anne Arundel County Police Homicide Unit has worked continuously to solve this case. As the investigation progressed, a suspect was developed and positively identified as fifty-six-year-old Kirk Byron Matthews. During the investigation, it was learned that Matthews and the victims were known to each other and that they had a verbal altercation which led to the murder. 

Homicide detectives worked with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office and on Monday, September 4, 2017, obtained an arrest warrant for Matthews.  Matthews was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault and firearm use in a felony violent crime.  A detainer has been placed against Matthews for the murder of Leslie Smith and Linda McKenzie. Matthews has been incarcerated at the Anne Arundel County Detention Center since June 3, 2017, on unrelated charges.

As the investigation continues to move forward the Anne Arundel County Police Department urges anyone with information on the murders of Leslie Smith and Linda McKenzie to contact the Anne Arundel County Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers.

 

Suspect/arrested:

 

1)      Kirk Byron Matthews

DOB: 11/2/1960

Shady Side, Maryland 20764

 

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