Far Away from Justice, Further Away from Closure: After nearly 10 Years since Charles Edward Carroll Jr., was killed, the Annapolis Police Department have yet to charge the identified gunman. -Investigative Report

For nearly 10 years, the family of Charles Edward Carroll Jr. has been awaiting a substantial explanation for why his homicide investigation remains "cold," despite acknowledgments from the Annapolis Police Department that they know who may have killed him. This lack of transparency has been a source of significant distress for the 25 year old man's family.

In a letter dated May 26, 2025, addressed to Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Leitess, and obtained by Report Annapolis News, Chief Edward Jackson stated, "we both believe we know who killed [him]." The letter also noted that the murder weapon was recovered from an individual involved in the case, and information obtained during the investigation suggested a conspiracy to execute the homicide that occurred on July 28, 2016 on Bywater Road in Annapolis. The letter also indicated that the department's cold case investigative team did an "excellent" job developing leads after reviewing evidence in the case. "Of course, we found mistakes. But nothing that would indicate the mistakes were insurmountable." 

Cold cases are generally defined in Maryland as an unsolved criminal investigation that remains open., and are cases that are not solved initially through traditional means, and "fresh eyes" are often needed to review existing work and pursue different avenues. The goal of a cold case investigator is to meaningfully advance the investigation; often, these incremental steps lead to more significant advancements.

Beverly Reed, Carroll's mother, shared with Report Annapolis News her continued confusion and frustration, stating that despite multiple conversations with Chief Jackson, she remains unsure why her son's case remains "cold." Ms. Reed said bluntly, "I just would like to know why the Annapolis Police Department has not filed charges against anyone in my son's case."

On July 28, 2016, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Annapolis Police Department officers responded to the 900 block of Royal Street following a report of shots fired. They located a vehicle crashed into a residential structure, and inside was Charles Edward Carroll, Jr., known to family and close friends as "Buddah" or "CJ," with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased moments later at a nearby hospital. 

Despite apparent evidence implicating two individuals in Carroll's homicide that are currently incarcerated for unrelated cases, Police Chief Edward Jackson has yet to provide a substantial explanation, further compounding the grief of an already bereaved family, according to Ms. Reed.  

Bishop Charles Carroll, Sr., the victim's father, reiterated the family's plea for clarity, stating that they deserve to know why the fatal shooting remains in "cold case status." He expressed that after nearly 10 years years, the unknown cause of a delay in filing charges in Carroll's homicide has impacted the man's entire family tremendously. "We deserve closure, and we deserve justice," Bishop Carroll said.

In response to a request for a statement, Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Jared Littmann said "I’m proud to call Bishop Charles Carroll a friend, and my heart goes out to him and his family for the unimaginable pain they’ve carried for nearly a decade. If I’m elected Mayor, I would absolutely want to meet with the family directly—to listen, understand what they are seeking, and learn how I might support their pursuit of justice. I would also review the case with the appropriate officials, including the Annapolis Police Department, to understand what has caused such a lengthy delay.

All residents of Annapolis deserve a government that is responsive, transparent, and committed to justice. If elected, I will work toward ensuring that this case and others are approached with the seriousness, urgency, and respect they deserve."

Carroll was laid to rest following a widely attended celebration of life at First Christian Community Church in Annapolis on August 8, 2016, according to an obituary made available online by the William Reese and Sons Mortuary. 

Report Annapolis News has contacted the Annapolis Police Department with requests for information regarding the case, which have mostly gone without a response, as of June 27, 2025. 

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