Baltimore, Maryland: Bicyclist Fatally Stabbed on Leakin Park Trail, No Suspect Named

A bicyclist was fatally stabbed on a trail in Leakin Park in Baltimore, Maryland, on Tuesday afternoon, and Baltimore police say they have no suspect and no motive in the killing.

Police said a man was found stabbed just before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Baltimore Police chief spokesperson Lindsey Eldridge said the investigation is ongoing, that no motive or suspects had been identified, and that the man's identity is not being released while police notify his next of kin.

A witness found him by the trailhead

A witness told Baltimore Fishbowl that they were driving through the park and saw a man on the ground next to a bicycle near the Winans Meadow trailhead. The witness first thought the man had been in a bike crash. After stopping to check on him, the witness saw his injuries and called 911, according to the account carried by The Baltimore Banner.

WBAL-TV reported that the man had been stabbed multiple times at the entrance of a trail at Gwynns Falls Leakin Park. Police have not released the man's name, age, or any description of a suspect.

Police return to the scene on Wednesday

On Wednesday, November 11, Baltimore police forensic officials returned to the trailhead area, combed the ground for evidence, and put a drone in the sky over the scene, WBAL-TV reported. Police tape marked off a large area of woods next to the trailhead.

Homicide detectives are investigating the stabbing. Anyone with information can call Baltimore police at 410-396-2100.

Park group calls for a safety plan

The Friends of Gwynns Falls Leakin Park said police and the city had given the group no information about the killing as of mid-afternoon on Wednesday. Executive director Pickett Slater Harrington said in a statement that the organization was "deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a cyclist's life following a violent incident in the park."

"This incident is another reminder of the need for a comprehensive safety plan and coordinated strategies to ensure Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone," Harrington said. The group is asking for more ranger resources, better lighting and emergency communications, safer facilities, and more staff for daily park operations.

City Council member Paris Gray, whose district includes the park, said he spoke with Mayor Brandon Scott and Police Commissioner Richard Worley about the incident on Tuesday. Gray said he did not have more details to provide. "I know those are questions neighbors and park users want answered, and I'm following up with BPD on what they can confirm and whether there's any guidance residents should have," Gray said. "My thoughts are with the man's family and loved ones."

What is not known

Police have not said what led to the stabbing, whether the man was attacked where he was found, or whether anyone else was in the area at the time. No arrest has been announced. The case is a homicide investigation in one of the city's largest parks, on a trail used daily by walkers, runners, and cyclists, and the open questions are the ones park users are asking: who did this, and is the trail safe.