COLUMBIA, Md. — State investigators have identified 25-year-old Alexander LaMorie as the man who died died during a police encounter early Sunday morning.
LaMorie, an autistic man, had just recently moved into Patuxent Commons, a building dedicated to supporting the independence of adults with disabilities.
He was diagnosed at 13 and was able to function with it in his daily life, his family stated, and “refused to be hampered by” the challenges of it.
Family of autistic 25-year-old killed in police shooting calls his death 'senseless and callous'
"Autism makes me unique, and it's helped me meet a lot of the people I care about," he wrote.
LaMorie was raised by his mother, Dr. Jill Harrington, and grew up in a military-veteran family. He is the great-grandson of a retired New York City Policeman and grandson of a New York City Firefighter.
“Every parent of a child with autism knows this is their worst nightmare. Alex was in crisis and called for help, and first responders must be better trained to prevent tragic outcomes instead of contributing to them," Harrington shared in a statement. "Persons with autism who are in crisis must never be viewed as expendable. Alex deserved understanding, de-escalation, and safe care in his moment of greatest need.”
LaMorie had earned his Associate’s Degree, was a student at the University of Maryland Global Campus and served on the Autism and Grief Project Advisory Board with the Hospice Foundation of America. He had also presented on panels at the San Diego Comic Con.
“Everyone who knew and loved Alexander (Alex) LaMorie is deeply saddened and shocked by his death… Alex was a kind, loving, and enthusiastic person, and a bright light in the community" his family told WMAR-2 News in a statement. “Like many, we struggle to understand the circumstances surrounding his senseless and callous death. The family appreciates your kind thoughts, prayers and requests your compassion, understanding and privacy as we come to terms with this profound and tragic event.”
Shortly after midnight Sunday, LaMorie called 911 for a wellness check, threatening to harm himself.
Police officers encountered him in the parking lot where investigators say had a knife in his hands and did not listen to commands to drop it.
Three officers with field operations command now identified by the state as Joel Rodriguez, Cody Bostic and PFC Joseph Riebau, discharged their weapons at LaMorie. They are two, six and 10 year veterans of the Howard County police department respectively.
He died just feet from the entrance to the building he had just moved into and a community he was excited to be a part of, according to family.
"People who knew Alex or are moved by his tragic and unnecessary death should pick up the phone to their state and federal representatives to demand better for the most vulnerable members of our society," Harrington said. "As a veteran-military family and children and grandchildren of first responders (police and fire), we are horrified and are suffering more than the horrors of traumatic grief — we are suffering the systematic, betrayal-based moral injury that comes when those sworn to protect choose to end a life instead of exhausting every effort to save one."
Some neighbors witnessed the graphic aftermath and wondered if non-lethal force could have been used, knowing the building has special needs residents.
“You have to be aware of that. You have to be well aware of that. Especially a brand new building like this,” a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous said.
Two days after the deadly shooting, grief counseling took place on site.
The Autism Society of Maryland which helped bring Patuxent Commons to life, said in a statement Tuesday “[w]e did not know Alex LaMorie. However, we do know that he was much more than his disability. He was a beloved son, a highly intelligent advocate and a valued member of this community. We want to honor his contribution and memory with dignity and grace."
Howard County police officers undergo training to be certified members of Crisis Intervention Teams.
The agency also partners with the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, though it’s not clear if any members were at the scene.
The case remains under investigation by the AG’s office. The officers on scene were wearing body cameras.
Per Maryland state law, footage should be released before the end of the month.
