Story perspectives

Police Fatally Shoot Autistic Man During Mental Health Call

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Alexander LaMorie, a 25-year-old autistic man, was shot and killed by Howard County police on March 1 during a mental health call.
LaMorie had called 911 to report an extortion scam and expressed suicidal thoughts.
Body camera footage shows officers pleading for him to drop a knife as he advanced.
Life-saving efforts failed.
The Maryland Attorney General's Office is investigating.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Department of Justice's 2015 report highlighted the urgent need for improved police training in mental health crises, noting that 1 in 5 individuals with mental illness interact with law enforcement annually. This issue traces back to the 1960s deinstitutionalization movement, which aimed to shift care from hospitals to communities but often failed to provide adequate resources, leaving police as primary responders to mental health emergencies.

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Story summary

Alexander LaMorie, a 25-year-old autistic man, was shot and killed by Howard County police on March 1 during a mental health call.
LaMorie had called 911 to report an extortion scam and expressed suicidal thoughts.
Body camera footage shows officers pleading for him to drop a knife as he advanced.
Life-saving efforts failed.
The Maryland Attorney General's Office is investigating.

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