A man suspected of fatally shooting a National Guard member in Maryland is expected to face murder charges, a U.S. attorney announced Monday. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Kristofer Kelley of Owings Mills, allegedly shot 21-year-old Ethan Rivera on Sunday in baltimore County.
The shooting has prompted heightened security concerns and a swift response from law enforcement, as authorities investigate the motive behind the attack and its potential connection to the victim’s military service. Rivera was off-duty at the time of the shooting, and the incident has shaken the Maryland National Guard community. Kelley is currently in custody and further details regarding the charges are anticipated.
According to a statement from U.S. Attorney Erek Barron, Kelley will be charged with first-degree murder and other related offenses.The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the 7700 block of Liberty Road in Randallstown, Maryland.
Baltimore County Police responded to reports of a shooting and found Rivera with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Kelley was apprehended shortly after the incident following a search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
“We are committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case,” Barron said in a press release. “The loss of a young life is always tragic,and we extend our deepest condolences to the Rivera family.”
The maryland National Guard confirmed rivera was a member of the 175th Cyber Operations Group. Maryland Governor Wes Moore ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Rivera.
The examination is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
