The family of 25-year-old Alexander LaMorie, who was autistic, expressed their profound sorrow and disbelief following his tragic death during an encounter with Howard County police outside his apartment complex early Sunday morning.
According to family members, LaMorie had called for a “wellness check” prior to the incident.
His residence, Patuxent Commons, is part of a significant initiative aimed at providing safe and affordable housing for adults with disabilities and senior citizens.
In their statement, LaMorie’s family expressed their struggle to comprehend the circumstances surrounding his “senseless and callous” death. They requested privacy and compassion as they navigate this heartbreaking situation.
Remembering Alex
LaMorie was among the first residents selected to live in Patuxent Commons, having been chosen through a lottery when the facility opened late last year.
His family shared a photo of him joyfully participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the building, which was developed by the Autism Society of Maryland.
“Alex was a kind-hearted, loving individual who brought joy to those around him,” his family shared. “Despite the challenges of autism, he navigated life with resilience and refused to let it define him.”
He often shared his experiences with grief and autism in videos alongside his mother, Dr. Jill Harrington, a well-known author and grief counselor.
The LaMorie family informed WJZ that he had already earned an associate’s degree and was currently a student at the University of Maryland Global Campus.
“He was thrilled to be part of the Patuxent Commons community, which offers support and care for individuals with autism,” they added.
LaMorie also contributed to the Autism and Grief Project with the Hospice Foundation of America, where he served as an advisory board member.
In his own words, LaMorie reflected on his diagnosis: “I believe I was diagnosed properly with autism at the age of 13. An official diagnosis was not made until then, despite earlier indications.” He recounted a significant mental health crisis during middle school that ultimately led to a clearer understanding of his needs and treatment.
LaMorie’s family noted that he had spoken at events like the San Diego Comic Con and the Association for Death Education and Counseling, where he advocated for those experiencing grief and loss. He was dedicated to maintaining his health and stability, equipped with a safety plan and the knowledge to seek help when necessary.
Calling 911
The incident unfolded around 12:09 a.m. on Sunday.
The Maryland Attorney General’s office reported that Howard County Police received a 911 call from a man expressing suicidal thoughts.
In the dispatch audio, a first responder mentioned, “We were speaking with a caller on the phone. He began making suicidal statements.”
Upon arrival, police were unable to locate the individual.
“Can we get a couple more units here to start checking for this guy?” police requested in the dispatch audio. “He’s not in his apartment.”
As officers exited the building, they encountered LaMorie in the parking lot, walking towards them with a knife in hand.
They reported that they instructed him several times to drop the knife, but he did not comply. Subsequently, three officers discharged their weapons, according to the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID), which reviews all fatal incidents involving law enforcement.
The IID identified the officers involved as Officer Joel Rodriguez, a two-year veteran, Officer Cody Bostic, a six-year veteran, and PFC Joseph Riebau, who has ten years of experience. All three are assigned to the Field Operations Command.
While Howard County police have refrained from commenting on the incident, their website highlights a robust program for training officers in handling mental health crises and providing resources for the public.
Captured on Video
A witness recounted hearing six gunshots and stated he did not see LaMorie armed.
Other neighbors shared images of the scene from their windows.
LaMorie was shot near the back entrance of the apartment building.
The IID confirmed that police body camera footage of the incident exists, and the Maryland Attorney General’s office has up to 20 business days to release it.
LaMorie’s family described the incident as “extremely challenging for us to comprehend.”
They added, “Alex was raised in a loving home and came from a military family. His great-grandfather was a retired New York City police officer, and his grandfather was a firefighter in New York City. Alex was cherished by many in the grief, disability, and military communities. He was the light in his sister’s life and a dear friend to his stepfather, siblings, uncles, cousins, and countless others. His family and friends are heartbroken.”
The IID is urging anyone with information about the incident, including cell phone or private surveillance footage, to reach out at (410) 576-7070 or IID@oag.maryland.gov.
