Hassan Howard

Hassan Howard, a 43-year-old man, was killed in a shooting on the morning of January 19, 2025, in Baltimore’s Southern District. At approximately 8:45 a.m., Howard and a 35-year-old man were sitting inside a Dodge Ram truck in the 400 block of Washburn Avenue when two assailants reportedly approached the vehicle on foot and opened fire. Both men were struck by the gunfire.

Emergency responders transported both victims to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. The 35-year-old man survived his injuries, but Howard was pronounced dead a short time later. His death was caused by multiple gunshot wounds to his arm, chest, and neck; an investigation noted he sustained 23 gunshot wounds in total. The shooters were seen fleeing the area in a dark-colored Hyundai Kona.

Homicide detectives investigating the case recovered 34 9mm shell casings from the scene. Through the use of surveillance footage and license plate reader data, authorities identified two brothers, Darren and Dylon Tomlinson, as the suspects. On March 19, 2025, police arrested 30-year-old Darren Tomlinson in the 3700 block of 2nd Street. He was taken to the Central Booking Intake Facility and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and multiple gun-related offenses.

At a reception court hearing in August 2025, Darren Tomlinson rejected a plea offer from the prosecution. The case proceeded toward trial with several developments. In March 2026, Tomlinson’s trial was postponed after he dismissed his defense attorney. The following month, the case against his brother concluded when prosecutors dismissed all charges against Dylon Tomlinson after a trial, admitting they could not proceed.

Darren Tomlinson proceeded to trial alone in September 2026 before Judge Lynn S. Mays. During closing arguments, the prosecution argued that shell casings, phone data, and DNA evidence connected Tomlinson to the murder. The defense countered that there was insufficient proof, no clear motive, and no witnesses who could positively identify him as the shooter. After hearing the arguments, the jury began deliberations. As of September 2026, the outcome of the trial was pending the jury's verdict.