LA PLATA, Md. (Dec. 21, 2009) --
On Dec. 20 at 7:25 p.m., Charles County Sheriff’s officers responded to a residence in the 9900 block of Bunker Hill Road in Waldorf for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, William Arthur Chase, 51, of Waldorf, suffering a stab wound to his chest. Chase was transported by Emergency Medical Services personnel to Civista Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The accused, Ronald Xavier Butler, 41, who lives at the residence, remained on the scene and patrol officers took him into custody immediately upon their arrival. Detectives responded to investigate.
The investigation revealed Chase and Butler were watching a football game when Butler asked Chase to leave the residence. An argument ensued, during which Butler retrieved a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Chase once. Another occupant of the residence called 911 and alerted police to the stabbing.
Butler was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault and a weapon violation. He is being held at the Charles County Detention Center pending an appearance before a district court commissioner.
Det. G. Higgs of the Major Crimes Unit is investigating.