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Obituaries
‘He Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him’: 18-Year-Old Dies in Tragic Maryland Crash ‘He Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him’: 18-Year-Old Dies in Tragic Maryland Crash
‘He Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him’: 18-Year-Old Dies in Tragic Maryland Crash Eighteen-year-old Austin Lautenschlager was known for his heart and humor — a life cut short in a crash that’s left his loved ones shattered. Lautenschlager was one of two teens — along with David Santos III, 19 — killed when their vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a tree in Essex, according to the Baltimore Police Department. Officers were called around 12:50 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, to the 2200 block of Holly Neck Road for a reported single-vehicle crash involving a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, according to investigators. Detectives determined the Malibu had been traveling westbound wh…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
‘A Hard-Fought Battle’: Maryland Officer Alex Belcher Remembered For Service And Kindness ‘A Hard-Fought Battle’: Maryland Officer Alex Belcher Remembered For Service And Kindness
‘A Hard-Fought Battle’: Maryland Officer Alex Belcher Remembered For Service And Kindness The Prince George’s County Police Department is mourning one of its own after Officer First Class Alex Belcher — a seven-year veteran remembered for his warmth, dedication, and quiet strength — passed away on Oct. 8, following what the department called “a hard-fought medical battle.” Belcher, 32, spent his entire career serving District I in Hyattsville, most recently with Shift 4, Squad 42, and was a proud member of Academy Session 139. Belcher earned multiple letters of commendation, a Unit Citation, and a Life Saving Award. He was named Officer of the Month multiple times and was recen…

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by Zak Failla
Traffic
Horror In Maryland: 11-Year-Old Child Struck, Killed By School Bus (UPDATED) Horror In Maryland: 11-Year-Old Child Struck, Killed By School Bus (UPDATED)
Horror In Maryland: 11-Year-Old Child Struck, Killed By School Bus (Updated) A Montgomery County community is reeling after an 11-year-old child was struck and killed by a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) bus Thursday afternoon, Oct. 9, near Russett Road and Bauer Drive, officials said. Details surrounding the crash remain under investigation, but county leaders are already expressing heartbreak and support for the family and students affected. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released a statement Thursday evening calling the incident “every parent’s worst nightmare” and urging residents to rally around the community as they grieve. “This afternoon’s …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
'Decades of Work Vanished': Next Step Produce Farm Hit By $1M Fire In Maryland 'Decades of Work Vanished': Next Step Produce Farm Hit By $1M Fire In Maryland
'Decades of Work Vanished': Next Step Produce Farm Hit By $1M Fire In Maryland A Charles County farm known for its specialty grains and produce is reeling after a massive barn fire destroyed hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment, crops, and seeds, loved ones say. Firefighters were called just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, to the 100’ x 75’ produce barn at Next Step Produce on Benton Road in Newburg, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. Roughly 50 firefighters from the Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department battled the flames for four hours before the fire was brought under control, but the damage was done.  The blaze c…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
'Hearts Are Heavy': Family Seeks Help Bringing Maryland Dad Home To Africa For Burial 'Hearts Are Heavy': Family Seeks Help Bringing Maryland Dad Home To Africa For Burial
'Hearts Are Heavy': Family Seeks Help Bringing Maryland Dad Home To Africa For Burial A Maryland family is mourning the sudden loss of a husband and father whose loved ones are now working to bring his body back home to Africa for burial. Fatai Ariori died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 28, leaving behind his wife and two young children.  His family said their “hearts are heavy” as they push to honor his final wish: to be laid to rest in his native Cotonou, Benin, among his family and loved ones. “Fatai was a devoted husband, a loving father to two beautiful children, and a kind soul whose generosity and warmth touched many lives,” his family said.  Fatai A…

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by Zak Failla
News
‘Each Day Brings New Challenges’: Maryland Family Battles ALS With Community’s Help ‘Each Day Brings New Challenges’: Maryland Family Battles ALS With Community’s Help
‘Each Day Brings New Challenges’: Maryland Family Battles ALS With Community’s Help A Maryland family is leaning on the community as they face the devastating impact of ALS. Stephen Varelli was diagnosed with the disease nearly two years ago and is now wheelchair-bound, his loved ones said. That has put the weight of the world on his wife, Karen, who has become his primary caregiver. Karen has been balancing Stephen’s daily needs while still caring for their home and family. “As Stephen’s needs grow, Karen may need to hire outside caregivers for help—whether for respite, or if she needs to return to work,” supporters wrote. Stephen & Karen Varelli GoFundM…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Maryland Mom, Family Lose Home To Fire After Dropping Insurance Maryland Mom, Family Lose Home To Fire After Dropping Insurance
Maryland Mom, Family Lose Home To Fire After Dropping Insurance Timing is everything.  A Maryland mom who dropped her homeowner’s insurance just weeks ago is now reeling after a fire tore through her Washington County home, leaving her family of five displaced. First responders in Hagerstown were called on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 28 to the 100 block of East Lee Street, where a fast-moving fire broke out. The scene of the fire in Hagerstown. Hagerstown Fire Department No injuries were reported. Everyone — including the family pets — made it out safely, but the fire left them displaced. "I never imagined having to write something…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Rita's Celebrates 'Abbott Elementary' With New Treat, Special Deal Rita's Celebrates 'Abbott Elementary' With New Treat, Special Deal
Rita's Celebrates 'Abbott Elementary' With New Treat, Special Deal Two Philadelphia icons are celebrating teachers with a new frozen treat and a special deal for everyone. Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has launched a new limited-time flavor called Faculty Favorite Mango Ice. The treat is available now at participating Rita's locations nationwide and can be ordered in signature creations like a Mango Gelati layered with vanilla frozen custard or a Mango Ice Blender. The new flavor celebrates the fifth season of the Emmy Award-winning show "Abbott Elementary," which premieres at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The hit ABC sitcom follows a group of …

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by Chris Spiker
Obituaries
Maryland Family Mourns Murder Of Asong Fontava, 29, Whose Faith ‘Guided His Every Step’ Maryland Family Mourns Murder Of Asong Fontava, 29, Whose Faith ‘Guided His Every Step’
Maryland Family Mourns Murder Of Asong Fontava, 29, Whose Faith ‘Guided His Every Step’ Asong Fontava is being remembered as a loving brother and family member whose "life was taken too soon" when he was shot and killed in his Maryland apartment. Fontava was identified as the 29-year-old man who was shot and killed in North Bethesda during a deadly kidnapping in Montgomery County. Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police were called around 7:40 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21 to the 5900 block of Montrose Road for a reported medical emergency.  Inside, first responders found Fontava suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.  He was pronounced dead at the scene…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
‘Shimmering And Sparkling’: Partner Devastated After Danny Malay-Miller's Death In Maryland ‘Shimmering And Sparkling’: Partner Devastated After Danny Malay-Miller's Death In Maryland
‘Shimmering And Sparkling’: Partner Devastated After Danny Malay-Miller's Death In Maryland The house is too quiet now. That’s how Glenn Malay-Miller described life after the sudden death of his husband and best friend, Danny Malay-Miller, who passed away on Sunday, Sept. 14. The loss has left Glenn — and an entire circle of friends, family, and community — shattered and searching for ways to navigate the days ahead. “Danny, I love you so very much from infinity and beyond,” Glenn wrote in a heartbreaking tribute. “You will forever be in my heart and I hope you rest easy and are with mom and brother Mike and Ophelia and Barnabas.  "I miss you soo (sic) much. Have a good rest my …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
From Hospital To Home: Virginia Sheriff's Deputy’s 18-Month Road To Recovery Begins From Hospital To Home: Virginia Sheriff's Deputy’s 18-Month Road To Recovery Begins
From Hospital To Home: Virginia Sheriff's Deputy’s 18-Month Road To Recovery Begins Loudoun County Sheriff's Deputy Louis Custodio is back home with his family after a life-altering motorcycle crash while he was on patrol, the agency says. At approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, Custodio was on the job when he struck another motorcycle head-on between Hyatt Lane and Morrisonville Road, sending both riders to the hospital with critical injuries. According to loved ones, Custodio was left with "devastating injuries" that will require at least 15 surgeries and a recovery time of at least 18 months, leaving him out of work. Louis Custodio GoFundMe On Friday, …

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
Fight Turns Fatal: Man Accused Of Gunning Down Longtime Acquaintance In DMV, Police Say Fight Turns Fatal: Man Accused Of Gunning Down Longtime Acquaintance In DMV, Police Say
Fight Turns Fatal: Man Accused Of Gunning Down Longtime Acquaintance In DMV, Police Say A community is rallying around the family of a Maryland pastor who was gunned down by a longtime family friend earlier this month. Herbert Keith Mason Jr. is facing murder and other charges in connection with the deadly shooting of 59-year-old Lanham resident Benjamin Francis in Bowie, according to the Prince George's County Police Department. Officers were called to the 4300 block of Rockport Lane in Bowie at around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7, to investigate reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, PGPD said that officers found Francis outside suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed …

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by Zak Failla