(WEAA)— Baltimore police say a 62-year-old man is in custody in relation to the murder of 69-year-old Evelyn Player.
Officials say on November 16, Player was found stabbed to death inside of Southern Baptist Church on North Chester Street around 7 am.
Manzie Smith, Jr., was taken custody early Wednesday.
The Baltimore Police Department has identified and arrested a suspect for the murder of Ms. Evelyn Player. https://t.co/nGna49rNa3 pic.twitter.com/sbauuXZZ3k
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) December 2, 2021
Smith is charged with first-degree murder and other offenses in Player’s killing.
BPD Commissioner Michael Harrison, Mayor Brandon Scott and State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby provided updates on the investigation Thursday afternoon.
Harrison released the following statement in regard to the arrest.
“I am grateful for the exhaustive investigative work of the members of the Police Department in collaboration with the State’s Attorney’s Office in identifying the perpetrator of this crime,” he said in a statement. “They have been working around the clock to solve this murder. Hopefully, justice can be served and we bring closure to the family.”
