Christopher Brown was 17 when he died after a late-night encounter in Randallstown, Baltimore County, Maryland. An off-duty Baltimore County officer, James LaBoard, reported hearing a loud noise, saw several people running, and chased them; a 911 call had brought on-duty officers to Susanna Avenue at about 10:30 p.m. LaBoard said he found Brown hiding in bushes near the 4000 block of Starbrook Road, pulled him out, and a struggle followed. Witnesses described Brown losing consciousness during the confrontation, and investigators focused on whether a chokehold or neck restraint had been used.

Paramedics took Brown to Northwest Hospital, where he was pronounced dead and the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide by asphyxiation. LaBoard was placed on administrative leave while detectives interviewed others and reconstructed the events. The case drew community attention, with a candlelight vigil at Randallstown High School and calls for answers. The officer was later charged and tried on manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter counts; prosecutors said a carotid or sleeper hold was used, while the defense argued the death was accidental and offered alternative explanations for the injuries. A jury acquitted LaBoard on all counts on June 20, 2013, and the department said he would return to paid status while an internal review continued.

If anyone knew Christopher, witnessed the chase or the confrontation on Starbrook Road, or has information that wasn’t shared at trial, please come forward.