Maryland AG Declined to Reopen Tawon Boyd Case
The state attorney general found insufficient evidence for criminal prosecution in the 2016 death.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown announced his office will not reopen the investigation into the 2016 death of Tawon Boyd. The decision followed a comprehensive review of 41 restraint-related fatalities.
Why it matters
The review aimed to determine if criminal charges could be brought after a 2025 independent audit reclassified Boyd's death as a homicide. Prosecutors ultimately concluded that evidence remains insufficient to prove culpability beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Attorney General examined 41 restraint-related deaths in Maryland after an independent audit in 2025 reclassified the 21-year-old's death as a homicide. The medical examiner has not updated the initial 2016 accident certification.
The players
Tawon Boyd
He was a 21-year-old man who died following a physical interaction with police officers.
Maryland Attorney General
This constitutional officer serves as the chief legal representative for the state and oversees the prosecution of criminal cases.
Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office
This local government agency is responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses within Baltimore County.
The details
Tawon Boyd was involved in a 5-minute struggle with Baltimore County police following a 3 a.m. 911 call in Middle River. Investigators reviewed internal law enforcement files and medical examiner reports before deciding that current evidence does not meet the legal threshold for criminal prosecution.
Timeline
September 19, 2016: Tawon Boyd was restrained by Baltimore County police.
September 21, 2016: Tawon Boyd was pronounced dead at the hospital.
December 2016: The Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office declined to pursue criminal charges.
2025: Audit findings reclassifying deaths as homicides were released.
September 25, 2026: Maryland Attorney General announced the decision.
Legal Context
This case follows the standards established by the 2025 Maryland independent audit of restraint-related deaths. The decision not to prosecute marks a departure from the homicide reclassification established during that investigation.
The closure of this case confirms that no new criminal charges will be brought by the state, affecting local expectations regarding police accountability. Residents should monitor ongoing discussions regarding state-level policies for handling restraint-related investigations.
The takeaway
The decision underscores the legal distinction between a medical reclassification and the standard of proof required for criminal charges. Public scrutiny remains focused on how state authorities reconcile divergent findings between independent audits and criminal investigations.
Further reading
Learn more about oversight protocols in Law Enforcement.
