Image
© Brad GerickDonnell Graham, 17, is being charged as an adult for the murder of Patrick Xavier Ward.
The suspect has been charged with first- and second-degree murder and three other crimes.

A 17-year-old Bel Air, MD, boy has been charged with murder in connection with the Friday night stabbing death of a blind man.

Donnell Graham of the 200 block of Fairwood Road has been charged with first- and second-degree murder of Patrick Xavier Ward, according to Monica Worrell, spokeswoman for the Harford County Sheriff's Office. Graham was arrested Friday at his apartment on Fairwood Road by police, who tracked him with a K-9 unit.

Worrell said in a press release that Graham was trying to burglarize Ward's apartment. Ward startled Graham, who then allegedly stabbed him multiple times and fled the area.

Neighbors entered Ward's apartment through his balcony as they saw the suspect flee the scene.

The stabbing took place at about 8:50 p.m. in the 900 block of Redfield Road. Ward, who was legally blind, was 29.

Graham has also been charged with first- and second-degree assault and possession of a deadly weapon with intent to injure. He is being held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center.

The suspect has a bond review scheduled for Monday at 1:15 p.m. in Harford County District Court.

A witness told Patch that Ward was stabbed four times in the chest. He was pronounced dead upon arrival to the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, Worrell said.