$10,000 REWARD STILL OFFERED FOR UMES MURDER

POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO MURDER OF UMES STUDENT CONTINUES - $10,000 REWARD STILL OFFERED

02/12/2014

(PRINCESS ANNE, MD) – Maryland State Police homicide investigators have expanded their search for the person or persons responsible for the murder of a university student far beyond the Somerset County campus where it occurred one year ago.

At about 9:00 p.m. on February 16, 2013, 21-year-old University of Maryland Eastern Shore student Edmond St. Clair was a passenger in a Honda traveling across campus on College Backbone Road. Not far from the Student Services Center, St. Clair and those he was traveling with encountered several people, possibly three or four, who were walking in the street.

Investigators believe some type of altercation occurred between St. Clair and these individuals. During the altercation, St. Clair was stabbed in the upper torso. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators say as many as three persons may have been involved in the murder. They are described as tall, African American males, two of whom had lighter complexions. All three were wearing dark clothing. One may have been wearing some type of ski mask.

The State Police search for suspects in this murder has expanded far beyond the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus. Due to the 2013 Homecoming Weekend activities occurring, there were hundreds of people on the UMES campus, many of whom were from the Baltimore/Washington D.C. regions. Not all of those on campus that weekend were university alumni. Several events were open to the public.

During a search of the area near the crime scene, State Police investigators recovered a folding knife. The knife was examined at the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division Laboratory. Evidence was found on the knife that positively connected it to the murder of St. Clair.

Due to the unique appearance of the 3 ½” bladed Remington Sportsman’s Series folding knife with burnt orange and black camouflage handles, State Police investigators released a picture, thinking it might help prompt the memory of someone who may have seen the knife before. Anyone with information about the knife is still urged to contact police immediately.

Investigators would also like to identify three potential witnesses who were in the area at the time of the crime. They are believed to have been walking toward the student apartments shortly after 9:00 p.m. Two of the three are believed to have been carrying umbrellas. Two more potential witnesses may have been walking toward the scene shortly after the murder occurred.

Troopers continue to attempt to identify a light colored vehicle, possibly a Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable. This vehicle was seen in the area of the crime scene. Investigators would like to interview the driver and any passengers in this vehicle who may be potential witnesses to the crime.

Investigators would also like to identify the driver and any passengers in a gold vehicle. The gold vehicle was seen turning around a short time after the crime occurred and headed back toward the crime scene.

The investigation into the murder of Edmond St. Clair is active and ongoing. State Police investigators appreciate the assistance and support provided by the administration and the police department of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

State Police homicide investigators returned to the UMES campus during the fall of 2013 and just last week, re-distributed flyers seeking information about the murder. Investigators will be on campus throughout the 2014 Homecoming Week seeking anyone with information.

ClearChannel Outdoor assisted last year by providing a digital billboard on Rt. 13 asking for information. The company has generously agreed to renew its billboard notice seeking information about the murder and reminding viewers of the reward that is still offered.

Police investigators continue to need the help of persons both on and off campus who may have information about this crime. Persons with information are urged to contact the Maryland State Police at 410-651-3101, or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Crime Solvers and UMES are offering rewards up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s).

Maryland State Police investigators are committed to the successful conclusion of this investigation. They will continue their efforts to identify those responsible for the murder of Edmond St. Clair.