Family Sues Howard County Over 12-Shot Killing of Autistic Tenant

Twelve rounds of ammunition struck Alexander LaMorie during a confrontation with law enforcement in Columbia last March. The 25-year-old man, who lived with autism, died from those wounds. His family has now filed a federal lawsuit against Howard County and the three officers involved in the incident.

Jamie Strawbridge, an attorney with the firm Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP, announced the filing during a press conference on Thursday morning. The suit alleges violations of federal statutes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, alongside specific state laws. The plaintiffs are the heirs of LaMorie and his mother, Dr. Jill Harrington. The defendants are Howard County and the three police officers who fired their weapons.

Strawbridge stated that LaMorie called 911 for help during a crisis. Instead of receiving adapted emergency services, the county dispatched four armed officers without mental health specialists. She described the deployment as a failure to meet the specific needs of a person with a disability.

The shooting took place outside the Patuxent Commons apartment complex. This multimillion-dollar development is designed to provide safe, affordable housing for adults with disabilities and older residents. LaMorie had moved into the complex just three days before the incident. His mother, Dr. Harrington, said the family chose the location because it promised independence, friendship, and a sense of belonging for her son.

"We wanted him to maintain his independence.. but this was more of an intentional community, so he could find friendship, connection, and a sense of belonging," Dr. Harrington said. She noted that the complex emphasized inclusion and disability awareness, leading the family to believe the county was prepared to handle his specific needs.

County police reported receiving a 911 call about a man threatening self-harm. Officers found LaMorie outside the building. According to authorities, he was holding a knife and walked toward the officers while refusing to drop it. He received 12 shots.

Strawbridge argued that the officers arrived without a plan, specialized mental health resources, or less-lethal options such as Tasers. She claimed the officers asked, "Do you have your Taser? Does anyone have a less-lethal weapon?" and received no answer. The family contends the officers escalated the situation rather than de-escalating it.

One month after the shooting, the Maryland Attorney General released body camera footage. The video identified the officers as Joel Rodriguez, with two years of service; Cody Bostic, with six years; and Joseph Riebau, with ten years. No criminal charges were filed against any of the three men.

In May, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Police Chief Gregory Der established the Inclusion, Safety, and Crisis Response Working Group for People with Disabilities. The group includes police representatives, county agencies, and nonprofit organizations. In July, the working group reviewed current police training and protocols for responding to mental health crises. Dr. Harrington stated the lawsuit aims to serve as a catalyst for accountability and reform.

Her mother added, "His autism is not a crime, being in crisis is not a crime."