Early Sunday morning, a resident of Patuxent Commons was shot and killed outside of the property following a wellness check by the Howard County Police Department. The Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) and Mission First Housing Group (Mission First) deeply mourn this loss. This is a disturbingly tragic event, and we have been in touch with the family to express our deepest sorrow and offer support.
The Howard County Police Department and Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division are conducting a full investigation. They have issued a statement and no further information is available at this time. Any questions concerning the incident should be directed to the Howard County Police Department. Mission First is cooperating fully with authorities and will continue to do so. Together, we support a full investigation of this tragedy on behalf of the family, the residents of Patuxent Commons, the entire Howard County community, and members of the disability community.
Our immediate focus is on supporting residents and staff who are experiencing shock, grief, and trauma. Staff members are on site at this time and additional staff and grief counselors will be in the community tomorrow, Monday, March 2, to respond to resident concerns and offer support. Patuxent Commons exists to provide safe, affordable, inclusive housing rooted in community for adults with disabilities, older adults and families. That mission has not changed. We are committed to fully understanding the chain of events that led to this tragedy and learning everything we can once the investigation is complete.
Statement issued on March 1, 2026
For press inquiries, please contact Becky Lang Staffieri with Mission First Housing Group, rstaffieri@missionfirsthousing.org
Contact at the Autism Society – Melissa Rosenberg, melissa.rosenberg@autismsocietymd.org
