Documents show suspect stalked Baltimore couple at Fells Point market before deadly attack

New details emerged on about this week's attack on a couple in Baltimore's Fells Point neighborhood that left a 76-year-old woman dead and her husband injured. 

Claudia Bismark, a beloved artist, died of her injuries Thursday. Her husband, 60-year-old Wade Wilson, suffered a concussion and injuries to his face in the attack. 

On Thursday, police announced they had arrested 32-year-old Montray McCray in connection with the assault and robbery that was caught on video Tuesday morning. Prosecutors said they planned to upgrade the charges against him to include homicide.

Judge orders repeat offender held without bail

McCray made his first court appearance Friday, and the judge ordered him held without bail, finding that he is a danger to the community. 

McCray did not speak and appeared calm on the closed circuit video. His attorney seemed to challenge whether he was in fact the person seen on surveillance video of the attack. 

Police said Thursday they tracked McCray down and arrested him on South Carrollton Avenue. He was charged with assault, robbery and reckless endangerment. 

Prosecutors have yet to formally upgrade the charges to include homicide, but the state's attorney's office said that will happen soon. Pressed while leaving the courthouse Friday, Assistant State's Attorney Anna Mantegna told reporters, "The office is working on those charges, but it doesn't happen automatically."

WJZ Investigates learned that McCray has an arrest history that dates back more than a decade and includes past gun and drug charges. He also has five prior convictions, including for witness intimidation, drugs, violating a protective order and fleeing and eluding police. 

"Mr. McCray is standing here feeling very upset and rather confused. He understands he has been tentatively identified, something that we take issue with," his public defender told the court Friday. 

He suggested the defense will challenge the surveillance video that was instrumental in cracking the case.

"This has been hard for him," the public defender addded.

He told the judge his client needs a special diet because of Crohn's disease and is concerned that his cats are taken care of, as he lived alone before his arrest. 

Court records show McCray worked as a barber and lived near where he was arrested. Documents also state that he is a lifetime registered sex offender.

Community mourns Claudia Bismark 

Josh Ceribelli, a neighbor of Bismark, watched as her accused killer made his first appearance in the case that Judge James H. Green called "a terrible situation."

"It hits closer to home when it's someone you know," Cerebelli told reporters outside court. 

He was at the Wabash District Courthouse for other business and waited hours for the delayed bail review to see the suspect firsthand.

"She was a great lady. I had a few interactions with her and her husband that were only positive," Cerebelli said of the victims. 

He reflected on what the tragedy must be like for Bismark's widow. 

"I couldn't even imagine. In a circumstance like this, I don't think words are even helpful," he said. 

Of the suspect, he said, "You wonder what goes on, what happened with the guy? What made him do that?"

Another neighbor of Bismark's shared a picture with WJZ of black bunting covering the artwork at her studio. She was not only an accomplished artist but also an instrumental part of Artscape, Baltimore's long-running free arts festival.

That neighbor told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren he has spoken to Bismark's husband, and he is coping as well as he can and avoiding news coverage of the tragedy. 

Court documents reveal disturbing new details 

Prosecutors now believe McCray targeted Bismark and her husband. Charging documents obtained by WJZ Investigates show that before the attack, McCray caused a disturbance at Beans and Bread -- a community resource center on South Bond Street. He allegedly argued with security before he was asked to leave.

From there, McCray went to Vikki's Fells Point Deli, at Broadway Market, where the couple was eating breakfast, according to the charging documents. He then sat at the back of the restaurant, watched the couple and waited for them to leave. 

When the victims exited through the front of the market, McCray left through the back and then followed them, the charging documents said. 

"Video of the assault shows McCray approach the victims from behind ... " the documents said. 

Both victims were knocked to the ground in the attack. The surveillance video shows Bismark being hit in the face while she was still on the ground. 

McCray also went through Wilson's pockets, took his wallet and then fled, according to the charging documents. Police reported the wallet was missing $150.

Mayor reacts to deadly attack

A statement was released jointly by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Commissioner Richard Worley after the attack and arrest of a suspect. 

"This was a terrible attack. Our hearts are with Ms. Bismark's family and friends, including her husband, who we are hopeful will make a full recovery. Ms. Bismark helped to shape one of our city's most iconic festivals, and we hold the arts community in our thoughts as they mourn this loss," the statement said.   

"This kind of senseless crime is unacceptable in our city, and we are committed to ensuring this individual is held fully accountable for their actions," it added. 

"One life lost to violence is one too many in our city. While we have made progress, we know our work is far from over. We will continue to double and triple down on the strategies that are getting at the root of violence in our city, to ensure every single Baltimorean feels safe in their neighborhood."