Tragedy struck in Anne Arundel County as 76-year-old Johanna Gibbs was found deceased in her Edgewater residence early yesterday morning, with police charging her boyfriend with murder. Emergency services received a call around 8 a.m. to Linden Avenue, where they discovered Gibbs unresponsive, exhibiting signs of trauma, as reported by WMAR2 News.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department arrested Bruce William Dunham, 72, who shared the home with the victim and have charged him with both first- and second-degree murder, although the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is yet to confirm the exact cause and manner of death, and despite the arrest, the investigation remains active and ongoing as they continue to piece together the circumstances of the incident. Dunham made the initial contact with a neighbor to request the emergency call, and according to a statement reported by WBALTV, he was present and cooperative with investigators when they arrived on the scene.
Marc Limansky, spokesperson for the Anne Arundel County Police Department, conveyed, per WBALTV, that the victim suffered "traumatic blunt force injuries to her upper body" and hinted at the possible use of a blunt tool or instrument in this brutal event. With the autopsy pending, more details are expected to surface soon as the State Medical Examiner's Office conducts a thorough examination.
The police are urging the community to come forward with any information, requesting those with insights to contact them at 410-222-4731 or make anonymous tips through the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.
