Family of Woman Found Deceased Near Arundel Mills Mall Issues Renewed Call to County Executive Steuart Pittman for Transparency and Accountability Regarding Case Investigation
On May 6, 2012, Katherine Sarah Morris, a 22 year old University of Maryland student at the time, was found deceased in a parking lot near Arundel Mills Mall. More than 10 years later, her family has issued a list of demands to Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman for transparency and accountability related to the death investigation.
According to the statement addressed to County Executive Pittman released by the Morris Family, "Kathy Morris' case was initially closed within 48 hours and erroneously ruled a suicide. In 2021, a court ordered the removal of "suicide" from her manner of death, reclassifying it as unknown. Despite a new Maryland law, "The Katherine Morris Death Reclassification Act," which came into effect in 2024 and caused the case to be reopened, the family states that your office initially refused to reopen the case. "
The Morris Family asserts that "even after the case was grudgingly reopened in response to the family taking legal action, and the county conceding it was handled in bad faith, with shielding the case from public view, and then filing a motion to dismiss, citing the case as moot. Furthermore, the case has not been listed on the Anne Arundel County Cold Case website."
In the statement, the Morris Family said they are "urgently demanding Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman to withdraw the motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed against in the county
related to Kathy Morris's case." The family believes that "dismissing this case before all
terms are meant sends a dangerous message that victims do not deserve justice and
according to the family, mocks the intent of the Katherine Morris Death Reclassification
Act. Adding Kathy's case to the Cold Case website is crucial for visibility, which can
bring forward new leads, encourage witnesses to come forward, and facilitate national
and inter-agency collaboration to help solve this case," the document said. "I urge you
to act publicly and immediately in support of justice and remembrance for Kathy Morris."
Kathy Morris' Family also included the following information in the statement:
“Kathy Morris deserves justice and remembrance. Withdraw the dismissal and add her case
to the Cold Case website. #JusticeForKathyMorris #DropTheDismissal
Petition & Support
Support: www.forkathyssake.com"
Katherine was laid to rest at First Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Lexington
Park, on May 12, 2012, following a celebration of life held at Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer Church in St. Mary's County. Her body was later reinterned at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge Maryland.
According to an obituary, Katherine completed her education through the St. Mary's County Public Schools and graduated from St. Mary's Ryken. She then attended the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Family Services. Before her death, Katherine had applied for admission to the Air Force Officer's Training School. Katherine was a voracious reader, enjoyed working with young children, and undertook a considerable amount of volunteer work. Her other pastimes included cooking and jewelry-making. Related: Commentary: Katherine Morris Deserves Justice, Not Loopholes By- Rev. Marguerite Morris
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C'mon Pittman!! You owe this family some answers! They're LONG PAST DUE!! DO YOUR JOB!!!!!
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