Death in Decker Police Shooting Ruled Suicide
LEONARDTOWN, Maryland — The State Medical Examiner’s Office has preliminarily determined that the death of Daniel Decker, 46, of Leonardtown, on April 26 was the result of a self-inflicted gun shot wound. Decker was also shot by Deputy First Class Shawn Cathcart. Deputies encountered Decker in the home of his ex-girlfriend after a manhunt led them to the residence on Sunday. Police were called to the residence the day before after the woman reported that Decker had broken into the residence and threatened a murder-suicide. She escaped unharmed.
The incident started on Saturday around 5:26 p.m. when police were called to a residence on Belvidere Lane in Leonardtown. Police determined that Decker unlawfully entered the victim’s residence and began a verbal dispute with her. The woman asked Decker to leave the residence and he refused. Decker produced a long gun and made threats towards the woman and himself. The woman attempted to leave the residence but Decker grabbed and continued to detain her against her will.
On Sunday police say they received information indicating Decker may have returned to the victim’s home. At approximately 10:20 a.m., deputies responded back to the residence and attempted to make contact with Decker via telephone and loud speaker. Deputies subsequently entered the residence to search, at which time they encountered Decker. Police say Decker was armed and gunfire was exchanged with deputies. Decker was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. More on Southern Maryland Online
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