The Charles County Sheriff's Office announces the investigation into the shooting death of Clayton Maurice Smith has concluded and the Charles County State's Attorney's Office has determined charges will not be filed.
On April 6 at 3:54 a.m., Charles County Sheriff's Officers responded to a residence in the 6900 block of Heather Drive in Bryans Road for the report of a shooting. Investigation revealed Smith, 43, of Bryans Road forced entry into the residence of his former girlfriend by throwing a cinder block through a front window. He began assaulting the woman's boyfriend, a 54-year-old Washington, D.C., man by striking him with a metal steering wheel locking device, which Smith had tied to his hand. The woman asked Smith to stop and, when Smith did not comply, she retrieved a handgun, which she lawfully owns, and fired one shot, striking Smith. Further investigation revealed Smith cut the telephone lines to the residence prior to forcing entry.
Forensic evidence collected at the scene is consistent with the statements made by the two victims. Police received information from members of the community, which has also been investigated. Telephone records show a pattern of phone calls by Smith consistent with harassing the woman and her family members.
Because no charges were filed and the woman and the man are victims of burglary and assault, respectively, the Charles County Sheriff's Office is not releasing their names.
Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in Charles County that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone with information about a crime may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. All callers may remain anonymous.