By Office of the State’s Attorney, Prince George’s County
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Interim State’s Attorney Tara Jackson announced Aug. 8 that 51-year-old Kevin Derr has been convicted of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his former girlfriend, 47-year-old Wendolyn McKoy. The jury convicted Derr on all five counts that went back to the jury for deliberation, including first-degree murder, first-degree assault, crime of violence in the presence of a minor, and unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle.
On April 9, 2024, Derr waited for McKoy to come home, forced her out of her vehicle and into the home, where he fatally stabbed her. He faces life without the possibility of parole. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 13, 2025.
“This was a brutal and senseless act of violence,” says Interim State’s Attorney Jackson. “The defendant stabbed the victim 78 times, and no one should ever have to endure the kind of terror this victim experienced at the hands of someone she once trusted. Our attorneys and law enforcement partners worked extremely hard to bring justice to this family, and we thank them for their efforts.”
This year, Prince George’s County has had 12 domestic violence homicides to date, accounting for approximately 26 percent of homicides in the county. Of those, nine were related to intimate partner violence and three were related to family violence, which occurs when a crime is committed by a family member against another family member.
“Our office will continue to be hypervigilant in protecting victims and families affected by domestic violence, and we will aggressively pursue those who commit these crimes,” continues Jackson. “Domestic and family violence is never acceptable, and together, as a community, we will work to prevent tragedies like this. This office is committed to doing everything that we can do to educate our community, as well as address the role that guns play in these incidents as many of these crimes have involved the use of a gun.”
Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland offer a variety of resources and support for victims and families impacted by domestic violence. The Office of the State’s Attorney encourages residents to dial 211 for resources and information 24/7, as well as visit the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services and the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center websites for additional resources and support.
Great Job Special Press Release & the Team @ AFRO American Newspapers Source link for sharing this story.