2 teens charged as adults in killing of 17-year-old in Essex, Maryland

Two teenagers have been charged as adults in the killing of a 17-year-old in Essex, Maryland, Baltimore County police said Wednesday.

The suspects, ages 17 and 15, were arrested in connection with the killing of 17-year-old Roman Wright.

Officers responded around 11:50 a.m. Monday to the unit block of Bladen Road, where Wright was found inside a vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

One of the juveniles was arrested Monday evening. The second, identified as 17-year-old Messiah Edwards, was arrested following an hours-long barricade situation in the 100 block of Akin Circle in Middle River.

Teens allegedly plotted to rob 17-year-old

The teens were allegedly plotting to rob Wright and reportedly showed witnesses guns during a FaceTime call, according to charging documents obtained by CBS News Baltimore.

Investigators said surveillance video from neighbors shows the pair approaching a car registered to Wright.

According to the documents, both suspects were wearing dark clothing. One was carrying a black backpack, while the other was carrying a multicolored backpack.

Investigators said the suspect with the multicolored backpack raised his arm and fired at least two shots. Wright's car then swerved and crashed.

"I heard bam bam and a crash, and I jumped out the door and saw everything," said Margie Bright, a witness.

Charging documents said both suspects were then seen on video running into a nearby home before eventually escaping through the back.

Police said a witness told them the teens had discussed a plan to rob Wright on FaceTime and that they were going to "book the plug," a term police said means to rob your dealer.

A woman outside the home where Edwards had been hiding said he was a friend of her daughters and that she had no idea he was wanted in connection with the case.

Two 19-year-olds killed a mile away

About 30 minutes earlier and roughly a mile away, police said two 19-year-olds were found shot on Banyan Wood Court in Essex.

Izick Aminartey was pronounced dead at the scene, while 19-year-old Donielle Mack was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Baltimore County police said they do not believe the shootings were connected.

Anyone with information about the shootings in Essex is asked to call the police at 410-887-4636.

Police said there have been 16 homicides in Baltimore County this year, compared with 19 at this point in 2025.