HALLOWEEN TRAGEDY: Ulman targets homeowners
Police summoned to residence 13 times since 2008; neighbors unnerved
By Jennifer Broadwater
jbroadwater@patuxent.com
Posted 11/04/09
(Enlarge) "I've instructed my staff to look at every possible angle of the situation that brought this mayhem into the neighborhood,"said County Executive Kenneth Ulman, referring to the Halloween party shooting that took place at a $1.6 million home on Manorstone Lane in west Columbia. (Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina Perna)
Meanwhile, at a community meeting attended by some 50 residents Tuesday night, police revealed that they have been called to the 11501 Manorstone Lane residence 13 times since the beginning of 2008 — including an earlier party there, in June, where shots also were fired.
“That is not an insignificant number in that community,” police chief William McMahon told the residents. “If that place is a nuisance — and I see some nodding heads — we’re going to use whatever resources we have.”
County Executive Kenneth Ulman said he has asked his staff to examine all possible violations that occurred at the Manorstone Lane house — covering everything from lack of a rental license to underage alcohol consumption.
“It’s absolutely unacceptable for anyone to use their house in such a way to terrorize the neighborhood and that’s certainly what happened over the weekend,” Ulman said in an interview Tuesday morning.
“I’ve instructed my staff to look at every possible angle of the situation that brought this mayhem into the neighborhood,” he added. “I believe, certainly, the owners of this property that brought this into the neighborhood are culpable on some level. That party doesn’t take place, the shooting doesn’t take place.”
The party broke up at about 1:15 a.m. Sunday when police received calls from partygoers and neighbors reporting that shots had been fired. When police arrived, more than 100 people remained at the residence, which is near the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club, in west Columbia, and appeared to have been rented out for the party, police said.
Police found a 19-year-old from Silver Spring shot to death on the driveway, and a 22-year-old from Columbia suffering from a gunshot wound in the basement. Two Elkridge men, ages 22 and 21, face murder charges in the shooting — the county’s second homicide in 2009.
State property records show the house is owned by Dennis Edwards and Joanne Powell, who paid $1.6 million for the 4,620-square-foot house in September 2006.
According to Howard County Circuit Court records, foreclosure proceedings were initiated against Edwards and Powell in March 2007, but were dismissed in August 2009.
Edwards and Powell could not be reached for comment. Earlier this week, however, Edwards told the Baltimore Sun, “I don’t have anything to do with that house.”
McMahon told residents at the community meeting Tuesday night that police spoke to Powell at the scene shortly after the shooting and that officers were still trying to locate Edwards.
‘Untangling the web’
After police met their first priority of arresting the accused shooter and his accomplice, Ulman said he called a meeting with several department leaders Monday to begin discussing how the house was used for the party.
He has asked several departments — among them police, fire, zoning, inspections, licensing and permits, finance, health and the office of law — to determine what violations apply to the Halloween incident and past incidents at the address. Possible incidents could involve liquor licensing, underage drinking, zoning violations stemming from the use of a house as a commercial establishment, and permit violations, since there was not a rental license on file for the residence.
“We’re going to look at every possible violation that occurred in this situation,” Ulman said. “We’re just untangling the web right now. This raises all kinds of questions.”
Ulman acknowledged that there are many instances when a party can unexpectedly go awry, but said he believes there is a pattern of misuse at the Manorstone Lane house. He added that he is unsure if any new legislation is necessary to prevent such occurrences in the future, but would consider proposing legislation if current laws are deemed insufficient.
The house also is subject to neighborhood covenants instituted by the Columbia Association and the Harper’s Choice Community Association.
The covenants govern the appearance, use and upkeep of houses in Columbia’s 10 villages. Harper’s Choice village manager Wendy Tzuker said that, in general, the covenants concern the aesthetics of a property and whether a business is being run in a home.
She said the association is not currently pursuing any citations against the owners of the Manorstone Lane residence.
Peppered with complaints
At the community meeting Tuesday night in Kahler Hall, in the village of Harper’s Choice, residents peppered McMahon and other officers with questions and complaints.
One Manorstone Lane resident said she called police about loud music at the party and felt that, had police been quicker to break up the party, the shooting might have been averted.
“I didn’t hear the sirens; I heard ‘pop, pop, pop, pop, pop,’ ” she said of the gunfire she heard after her 911 call. “It was just mayhem. There was a precedent set in June.”
Another neighbor said she believed the shooting merited use of the county’s emergency phone system to alert nearby residents to remain inside their homes. Others said they were concerned over what they fear is a growing trend of houses being advertised online for party rentals and requested increased patrols.
Several of the residents who spoke at the meeting said the shooting has unnerved them and declined to give their names.
Residents also told McMahon that the house is consistently problematic, and listed complaints ranging from loose dogs to weeds.
McMahon told the residents they “have not been forgotten. We don’t control that house. It’s a private property and things can go on there, but we will be watching.”
McMahon also told residents the 13 calls about the residence were for a variety of reasons, including landlord-tenant disputes and burglary.
One resident said rumors and details of the party were swirling around the community. “What’s it going to take? I feel like I have more information than police,” the resident said.
Manorstone Lane resident Fadeke Iluyomade, who lives two doors from the residence where the party was held, said in an interview Monday that she “couldn’t believe” the scene she witnessed the night of the shooting, and was unaware that the house was being rented out.
Iluyomade was one of many callers who alerted police to the incident. She said she heard what she thought were firecrackers, then saw people swarming across her lawn.
“I was wondering why fireworks at this time of the year,” she said. “I saw a lot of people running on my lawn. ... I couldn’t believe what I saw.”
Folu Mofoluso, Iluyomade’s brother-in-law, said he was in town from Florida visiting and was shocked when he heard the news the next day.
“I wonder why somebody would shoot a human being like that, kill a human being when it’s not a war,” he said.
Iluyomade said she met the owner of the house about three years ago when she moved in, but had not seen her since.
Staff writer Mike Santa Rita contributed to this article.
user comments (31)
user commonsenseplease says...
If this had happened in one of the older neighborhoods of Columbia would it be getting so much attention? Terrible tragedy but we really need to be looking at areas that are seeing violence every week as well.
Posted 4:33 PM, 11.03.09
user mom99 says...
Are you kidding --- why does it always have to be some other neighborhood and yes if it was any other neighborhood it would get the attention. The most critical issue is that an individual lost their life and another one may end up paralyzed for the rest of his life. As a homeowner you are responsible for any and all activities that occur in/on around your home. When does human life take the priority of charging 100's of people to enter a residence not a business but a private residence. Where in Columbia, Howard County has this type of activity taken place before. I agree with Ken Ulman 100%....Slap the citations and go after them. If I was the parent(s) of the deceased and injured I too would go after these selfless, homeowners. According to the Howard County police spokeswoman, this was not the first time the police were called to this residence. Can you picture 70 plus Howard County police in your neighborhood blocking the road because your neighbor decided to be inconsiderate of everyone else and rent out their house for a private party which ended in death and paralization?? What if it was your child?
Posted 4:52 PM, 11.03.09
user truthteller says...
Thank you Ken Ulman! This tragedy occurred for many reasons and one of those is the poor decision by the homeowner to rent out their home so that such a party could exist. Who would be so inconsiderate to their neighbors to rent their home to allow over 100 young people between the ages of 18-22 for a Halloween party? Anyone of us would be upset at such an event happening in "our own backyard". The noise and parking alone would be enough to upset the neighborhood, not to mention the probable underaged drinking. The owners obviously didn't care about the damage that would occur to the house since the bank was foreclosing - maybe the bank should be informed to bring charges against the homeowners too. If there are no legal charges that can be brought, certainly civil lawsuits should be considered by those who have lost loved ones or can claim damages. And then there are the moral issues........
Posted 6:41 PM, 11.03.09
user lisbonite says...
Why not add the negligent neighbors to this witch hunt. 100+ kids partying after 1am in a seemingly vacant home? No calls to the police until after shots were fired? Some nice "affluent" neighborhood this is.
Posted 7:16 PM, 11.03.09
user milton says...
I am surprised how cold and heartless Ken Ulman is. These homeowners are already facing huge legal issues for their negligence, they seem to be in financial difficulty, and now Ken Ulman has eight departments, yes EIGHT departments, of county government desperately trying to find more ways to harass these people? It seems to me that Ulman is leading a government funded lynch mob.
Posted 7:16 PM, 11.03.09
user lisbonite says...
And I'll totally back new legislation to prevent this horribly predictable tragedy from happening again. "Thou shalt not host large parties with underage attendees in vacant homes that lead to gunshots, injuries, and / or homicides."
Posted 7:18 PM, 11.03.09
user sylviestress says...
I'm usually against Ken Ullman's plans to put government everywhere, but in this case he has a point. Homeowners can't rent out houses as if they were Slayton House. If this family was suffering financial distress, how about moving or doing something else?
Posted 7:48 PM, 11.03.09
user juiceman says...
Normally I tend to be somewhat democratic. But Ullman's use of his administration to try to rebel-rouse is seriously making me consider the republican party. Yes Ken, you're right; better monitoring by the homeowner and this doesn't happen. But...better behavior by our youth and this doesn't happen. Collecting a few bucks from the already financially distressed homeowner doesn't stop this, reverse this or prevent this. Move on man, and govern!
Posted 8:05 PM, 11.03.09
user truthteller says...
Ken, You're doing a great job - keep it up! You have my vote! Let's set an example of what we expect from our community members - certainly not to rent out homes to allow random strangers into our neighborhoods. This is not about feeling sorry for a "distressed homeowner" - this is about being a responsible citizen. Too often, we allow underdogs to escape responsibility because they are going through a difficult time - should we also allow the shooter to go free because he, too is distressed? If legislation does exists that should have prevented this, then the homeowner is at fault for breaking that law...if legislation does not exist, then we need to create a law that will prevent such a fiasco in the future. (Juiceman, why did you display your entry 4 times? Once is enough.)
Posted 8:40 PM, 11.03.09
user milton says...
Truthteller, no negligent party is going to escape their legal responsibility, so why don’t you be a little more honest with your comments. Ken Ulman’s involvement is nothing more than piling on. Ulman is leading a lynch mob less than three days after the incident. He needs to let the system already in place run its course. Ulman did not have one thing to say when Howard County Police shot and killed a family dog while serving a no knock warrant on an innocent man, and now three days after this Halloween shooting he has eight departments of Howard County government working to harass the homeowners with technicalities like not having a rental license. Get real.
Posted 9:24 PM, 11.03.09
user stevericklin says...
Here's a question I have: Who rented the place? Who threw the party? Isn't that person more liable than the owner? Did the owner rent without a license? YES- so fine them the $50 fine for that. But why is no one asking who threw the damn party? and invited 2 murderers with 3 pounds of marijuana (see police report) and a bunch of guns? And why didn't anyone call the police when a thousand decibels of gangsta rap was eminating from the windows along with the pot smoke and puke from the drunk sixteeners? If we are going to cast blame let's cast a bigger net than a desperate homeowner who is broker than a 3 dollar watch!!!!
Posted 10:11 PM, 11.03.09
user richard says...
First of all the home was not rented to anyone and no liqour was severed at the event.The liqour there was brought to the party by the party goers. The party lasted for several hours without the complaints of neighbors or police about the music or the hundreds of cars that filled the of this so called affulent neighborhood. If the shooting that took place outside of the residence never happened no one would know of the event. There was security at the door and people were searched every time they entered the party. In response to stevericklin no one knowingly invites trouble makers to the home or party. What took place that night was a very tragic and unfortunate event but the only one to blame is the shooter who acted in negligent and irresponsible manner. Why are we trying to take blame from the suspect?!?!?!?!
Posted 12:27 AM, 11.04.09
user mom99 says...
This is a very tragic situation with all types of twists and turns. Here we have a homeowner who owns a property and can't afford to pay the mortgage so they rent to a group of young people to have a party whereby they charge admission to the party goers. No permit to use the home as a "business establishment," no control over who enters the premises. They were looking at this from a dollar standpoint and made a very horrible decision to do this. From the property records it appears these homeowners were in foreclosure previously, and used this scheme as a means to "collect money" to pay their mortgage. They were not taking care of their property, did not have a care in the world about their neighbors and their poor decision attributed to the death of a young man with a promising future and the paralyzation of another. No they did not pull the trigger but they were the catalist and had it not been for this party --- this would not have occurred. To just pay a $50 fine....that is not enough. As a parent who wants to get a phone call that their child attended a party at a house and won't ever come home because they were murdered or never walk again. Yes the police arrested the suspects and they will have their day in court but this type of activity in communities needs to stop. Obviously these people have no common sense or financialy sense as well. There is more going on with these folks than just renting their house of parties and hopefully Ulman's staff will get to the bottom of it.
Posted 9:31 AM, 11.04.09
user justsayin says...
Just because the homeowners are having "financial difficulty" does not give them the right to break the law by renting there house. How about instead sell (or at least attempt) the $1.6 million house and purchase something a little more affordable.
Posted 10:18 AM, 11.04.09
user richard says...
The home was not in foreclosure you damn idoits. Do you really think hosting a party could at all help pay the mortage of a 1.6 million dollar home ? And the home was not Rented out stop blaming the homeowner and ask why a 22 yr old is driving around with a gun. The incident took place OUTSIDE of the home. Please know the details of what took place that night before you speculate about what happended and what should happen to the home owner Im sure the embarassment faced is more than enough.
Posted 11:41 AM, 11.04.09
user lw7988 says...
Hey Ken, Have you forgotten about the Route 32 highway "safety" project? You sure are quick to jump on the latest bandwagon of public outrage, whether road accident or senseless shooting. Got ADHD or nothing better to do with our gov't resources than to send them on a witch hunt?
Posted 11:54 AM, 11.04.09
user truthteller says...
The citizens of this county should be grateful that we have a county executive who cares enough to pursue an issue about maintaining safe neighborhoods. Nobody wants strangers running around their homes late at night, with music blaring. No, I do not feel sorry for a homeowner who is facing foreclosure for a $1.6 million home - it is another indication of their poor judgement to have purchased a home beyond their means - they got too greedy. Stupid people make stupid decisions.
Posted 6:18 PM, 11.04.09
user belovedcartoonmouse says...
Blah blah blah. It's a shame when bad things happen around rich people. A guy gets murdered and all the county can do is look for administrative ways to fine the homeowner. If that makes you sleep better, enjoy it.
Posted 7:42 PM, 11.04.09
user mom99 says...
This comment is to Richard. The homeowner was in foreclosure on this property and lost another house in Howard Counto foreclosure. Look at the property records, or pull up the court records which I'm sure the police and Ulman's staff have access to. These people were not rich,,,, they were trying to live rich. And it does not make a difference one way or the other. The fact is Edwards and Powell own the house. When you own property you as the homeowner are responsible. That is the reason why you have to be an adult to sign a contract. If they didn't know better.... they know now. It is insane to have 100+ people to your house for a party whereby you rent it to someone to throw the bash and people are charged to enter. Thereby you are conducting business. As an adult you have to accept responsibility for the wrong that you do..... whether you take the life of another, maim someone or contribut to the constructive acts of others. This house has been used in the past for such parties according to the police and its unfortunate they did not pursue the homeowners at that time. When business establishments such as clubs have incidents where people are shot at or injured they loose their liquor license and are shut down. So these folks need to be shut down..... the homeowners were in financial distress on this property, another property in Howard County and in another county. Why keep buying properties if you can't afford to make the payments. The tax assessment records don't lie. Richard you seem to know these people and that's why you are defending them and that's ok. But whose going to defend that young man on Monday when his family attends his burial? This is not a personal lynching by Ken Ulman....... he is doing what should have been done months ago.
Posted 9:43 AM, 11.05.09
user mom99 says...
I agree with truthteller. I hope this homeowner is investigated for mortgage fraud because they even have a lien on the property from the previous owners they purchased it from. How in the world can you buy a house for $1.6 million when the house you currently own for $500,000+ is being foreclosed on and it did in fact foreclose. If Edwards was stupid enough to co-sign for Powell he deserves the same punishment Powell gets.
Posted 9:48 AM, 11.05.09
user mickey says...
Many states have laws -- if a the homeowner throws a party- and a person from that party leaves drunk and kills someone in a car accident the homeowner can and will be held accountable- These homeowners must be held accountable --- Did the homeowner pull the trigger NO!! But the homeowners did allow a group of young people to drink and party all night in there home--------- which any responsible adult and homeowner should know is an open door to disaster............ For what reason would you allow your home to be used for a party for a large group of young people??? For money ?? shame on the homeowners by their neglect a life was losed.
Posted 11:00 AM, 11.05.09
user voiceofreason21044 says...
Ulman is merely pandering, as he always does. He needs to be replaced in 2010.
Posted 11:31 AM, 11.05.09
user dbird says...
I believe as homeowners and citizens we should be able to live in a community that is safe and peaceful. Unfortunately there is always going be people that may disturb that peace due to inconsideracy or criminal behavior. These homeowners have been inconsiderate since they moved in to the neighborhood letting their 2 dogs run free and then when neighbors called and complained the homeowners chose to leave the poor dogs on their back deck 24 hrs. a day barking and whining in the rain and cold. This behavior alone shows complete disrespect for the animals and all the neighbors whose peace was disturbed by this selfish act. The homeowners continued their disrespect by having 2 parties that were loud, shots were fired at the first party putting neighbors lives in jeopardy and then these people had another party where 1 young life was lost and the other survivor's life is changed forever. I understand that neighbors did call during both parties and why did it take so long for police to arrive? Why were these homeowners allowed to continue their inconsiderate behavior--I just don't understand it. Why are we blaming the neighbors for not calling? They did as far as I know. The homeowners and the shooter are the responsible one's here. Both obviously do not care or respect people.
Posted 2:15 PM, 11.05.09
user mom99 says...
To Richard: First of all you should make sure you know what you are talking about. The homeowner had been in foreclosure since 07 and that foreclosure was just dismissed in Sep. 09. Secondly, homeowner Powell foreclosed on a home in Howard County at the same time of the purchase of home on Manorfield. Public records show a full of suits filed against Powell who appears according to legal documents to be irresponsible. Bankruptcy filing, law suits, having someone co-sign for you to buy a 1.6 million home when you can't pay for one that is less than half that amount. Suits in PG, AA....... dogs being left out in the rain 24/7 (Animal cruelty). What is it going to take another murder. These people do not need to be homeowners....... they don't care about human life or animals. And she has a daughter ..... where is social services? How can you live in a house with children and behave this way. The biggest issue is that a young man lost his life. Because of this party being broadcasted on Facebook, Twitter, etc...... 100+ people turned out. They obviously had money problems because they were not maintaining and taken care of their property and there is also a lien on the property. Why should the rest of the Community and neighbors have to suffer because some selfish people don't know how to live in a society as humans and follow the rules and regulations of the law. I applaud Ken Ulman and the rest of Howard County for doing whatever it takes to remove these people from the community. The services for the young man who was murdered will be held on Monday ---- we all need to take a moment and pray for his family and for the young man who will be permanently paralyzed from this event.
Posted 10:18 AM, 11.06.09
user dbird says...
to independent user---you could call animal control to find out what they are doing with those two beautiful , neglected dogs. I hope they are not euthanised--then they would become yet 2 more victims of these thoughtless human beings. How many more victims before something is done?
Posted 12:38 PM, 11.06.09
user dbird says...
user independent--I called Howard County animal control at 410-313-2780 and they told me the dogs are there and are safe. I asked if they were to be euthanised or be put up for adoption and they said that has not been determined--they are waiting to hear from the homeowners about whether or not they are going to take their dogs back--oh god forbid I hope not. These dogs need and deserve a good caring home.
Posted 12:53 PM, 11.06.09
user frazie says...
My sympathy to the Brice and Quick family. My grandson suffered major face injury, by an unknown assailant. It will take more than 6 months of recovery. He was knock down and stomped. Needing money to stop a foreclosure, using your home in a residential neighborhood as a party place, creating a place of violence is not forgiveable. Yes, there should be major punishment. The lives of 3 young men, one eternal, are changed forever.
Posted 1:38 PM, 11.07.09
user stevericklin says...
Frazie, You are right. Let's stay focused. This is not about the owners (good job trying to change a leapords spots). This was a brewing pot for violence. When did stomping become an acceptable form of fighting? Let's pray for the families of the victims and pray for hard and fast punishment to be stricken on the thugs and killers. Steve Ricklin
Posted 12:03 PM, 11.08.09
user independent says...
The dogs would do better at another shelter. Our county shelter euthanizes far too many animals that could be placed. It seems like other shelters move animals around in order to avoid euthanasia, but Howard's has not been observed coordinating with others. Also, they will euthanize dogs rather than adopt them to farm owners. That is another tragedy, and to satisfy the above comment about numbers affected being insufficient to term this a tragedy, the "shelter" kills dozens of dogs and cats every year, not just one or two.
Posted 5:23 PM, 11.08.09
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