John Jefferson
Left: Thomas Eugene Harris, II (Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office). Right: Shaquille Quadry Braxton (Raymond Funeral Services).
A 28-year-old man in Maryland may spend the remainder of his days behind bars for killing his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, fatally stabbing the 30-year-old man multiple times during a dispute “over the victim’s attempts to visit his child.”
Thomas Eugene Harris II last week formally pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree premeditated murder in the slaying of Shaquille Quadry Braxton, authorities announced.
According to a news release from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, deputies from the Patrol Bureau at about 10:22 p.m. on Feb. 15, 2024, responded to a field near Armory Road and Fairgrounds Road in Prince Frederick, Maryland, after receiving reports of someone being the victim of a “serious assault.”
Upon arriving at the scene, first responders located an adult male — later identified as Braxton — suffering from what appeared to be critical stabbing injuries. Emergency medical services personnel arrived a short while later and performed lifesaving procedures while Braxton was transported to Calvert Health Hospital for treatment. Braxton succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim and Harris “had gotten into an argument” after Braxton attempted to visit his child, whose mother was in a relationship with Harris, the state’s attorney’s office said in a news release.
When Braxton went to see the child, Harris confronted him and the two exchanged words before Harris pulled out a knife and stabbed Braxton multiple times. Harris then fled to Prince George’s County with the girlfriend and child.
According to a report from Southern Maryland News Net, forensic investigators determined that the victim suffered several stab wounds with an “edged weapon.” His injuries reportedly included several lacerations to the left side of his neck below the ear and to the right side of his neck under the jawline. Braxton also had lacerations to his hand, indicating defensive wounds.
After the stabbing, authorities attempted to get in contact with Harris, who agreed to voluntarily speak with detectives. After waiving his Miranda rights, Harris reportedly said that he was at his residence on the night of Feb. 15, and admitted to assaulting Braxton. Harris claimed he hit the victim in the head multiple times, rendering him unconscious. Detectives noted that Harris’ hands were covered in visible bruises as they placed him under arrest.
Harris is currently scheduled to appear before Circuit Court Judge Mark S. Chandlee on May 1 for his sentencing hearing. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
An obituary for Braxton says he served in the U.S. Army and had a daughter.
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