ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — A son witnesses his mother's murder in Howard County.
The tragic chain of events all started on February 7 at a Carroll County High's store on Sykesville Road (Route 32).
That's where Amethyst Stephenson was called to pick-up her step children from estranged husband Alexander Dulaney Stephenson.
Court documents suggest Alexander was intoxicated, and assaulted the children before Amethyst arrived.
Maryland State Police noted the Stephenson's were in the midst of a divorce.
At some point during the process Amethyst obtained a court protective order barring Alexander from contacting her.
Upon arriving at the High's, Amethyst told troopers that Alexander violated the protective order.
After verifying the violation, Maryland State Police arrested Alexander.
Despite the alleged violation, the Carroll County District Court released Alexander under his own recognizance on February 8.
That same morning, Alexander went to Amethyst's home on Huntsman Run in Ellicott City.
Her son reported hearing commotion coming from Amethyst's bedroom.
When he went upstairs to check on things, the son found Alexander on top of Amethyst inside the closet stabbing her with a small knife.
After unsuccessfully trying to stop the son from calling 911, Alexander reportedly slit both his wrists and fled the scene.
He later turned himself into police, and was taken to Shock Trauma for lacerations to the wrist.
Alexander is now being held without bail on first-degree murder charges.
If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233. In Maryland, the House of Ruth's 24-7 line is 410-889-7884.
