A SWAT team stands ready next door to Hairtasia – The Bay Net photos by Sean Rice 
 

St. Mary’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Detectives are investigating forensic evidence collected at the scene of a brutal murder in Charlotte Hall, and working leads to develop suspects in the case.

Robert Phipps, 61, of Prince George’s County, was beaten to death Monday evening inside the shop he owned in Charlotte Hall Shopping Center, Hairtasia Unisex Haircutters.

Phipps was known to be an openly gay man, and the murder may have been the result of a failed relationship, a source who was acquainted with Phipps tells The Bay Net.

BCI Commander Lt. Dan Alioto would not comment on Phipps sexual orientation. He said the case is “wide open” and no suspects have been singled out yet.

Another media organization has reported that a man named Joey Stillwell is considered a suspect, but Alioto said he “100 percent” does not stand behind that accusation, and said he did not release that name to the press.

“If we had a suspect we are looking for, we would release it, but as of now we do not,” Alioto told The Bay Net this morning.

Phipps suffered blunt force trauma to the head, Alioto said, but the exact cause of death will be determined by the autopsy by the Baltimore Medical Examiner.

Police responded to the scene just before 5 p.m. Monday when a 911 caller reported seeing a person lying on the floor and it appeared an armed robbery was in progress. Within 10 minutes officers had the building surrounded.

Due to the information received, police believed they were dealing with a hostage situation. Officers and tactical team members continued to arrive, and the entire plaza was locked down and sealed off.

Nearly three and a half hours later, SWAT team officers entered the business, after numerous attempts to make contact with anyone inside the shop by telephone and other methods.

Phipps’ body was found alone in the shop. Alioto said Phipps did not appear to have any bullet wounds and no gun was found.

A reward is offered for information leading to an arrest in the case through Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333.

Stick with The Bay Net as more facts become available.

 
A crowd gathers across the street from the plaza