The Baltimore Police Department is actively searching for Charles Anthony Boatwright, 55, who they suspect of the murder that occurred on July 13 in the 3900 block of Frederick Avenue, resulting in the death of 56-year-old Randolph Smith. According to WMAR2 News, Boatwright had been detained in North Carolina on a fugitive warrant and was booked in the Mecklenburg County Jail.
Citing an apparent legal hiccup that led to Boatwright's release, the suspect was freed when the district attorney's office in North Carolina voluntarily dismissed his extradition after his $7.5 million bond was posted. The release came following two court continuances and the absence of a governor's extradition warrant from Maryland. The law in North Carolina permits the detention of an extradition suspect for up to 30 days, with possible extensions while waiting for an official warrant from the governor of the requesting state, according to a statement obtained by ABC News.
As a result of this unexpected turn of events, the Baltimore Police have issued a public statement and an appeal for assistance in locating Boatwright. They stress that information concerning his whereabouts would be paramount to their investigation. Outreach to the community has been initiated to hope that someone might come forward with valuable information.
While the search for Boatwright continues, authorities urge the public to reach out to Baltimore homicide detectives or Baltimore Metro Crime Stoppers with any potentially helpful details. The Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office explained the circumstances leading to Boatwright's discharge, "After the original 30-day period, the case was continued twice over two months, as the law permits, but with no Governor’s Warrant ever filed and the next possible court date falling outside the legally permissible period of detention, the state was compelled to dismiss the extradition warrant,” per ABC News.
