Baltimore police have charged a 50-year-old man with murder after a 56-year-old woman was found fatally stabbed inside an East Baltimore apartment in what charging documents describe as a dispute over payment. The victim, identified as Shonda Singleton, was discovered in a building in the 400 block of East 25th Street. Authorities have named 50-year-old Toi Stukes as the suspect in the June 20 killing, according to police records.
Charging documents reviewed by WMAR state that Eastern District officers responded around 1:40 p.m. on June 20 and found Singleton on the floor with multiple stab wounds. Medics transported her to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Witnesses told detectives the pair, described as dating, had argued after Singleton asked Stukes to set up her new phone. One witness reported that Stukes demanded payment for the favor, became agitated, and the fight escalated into violence. According to the documents, a bystander said they saw someone leaving the apartment with a large knife protruding from a pocket and later identified Stukes in a photo array.
Warrant Served While Suspect Treated At Hospital
Detectives later served Stukes with a first-degree murder warrant while he was being treated at an area hospital, as reported by Daily Voice. Police said that once his medical treatment is complete, he will be transferred to Central Booking to face the charges. Officials have not issued a more detailed public statement while investigators continue to collect evidence.
How Investigators Say They Tied Him To The Scene
According to the charging documents, officers obtained a key from building maintenance to enter Stukes' apartment, where they found him with blood on his clothing but no visible injuries. Investigators also reported spotting a trail of blood droplets in the stairwell that appeared to lead from the victim's apartment to his. A witness told police they saw Stukes repeatedly strike Singleton, pull out her hair, and then stab her, the paperwork states. After treatment at a hospital, records indicate Stukes was taken to Central Booking.
Charges And Legal Context
Prosecutors have charged Stukes with first- and second-degree murder, as well as first- and second-degree assault, according to the charging documents. Under Maryland law, a conviction for murder in the first degree carries a sentence of life imprisonment and, in some cases, life without parole. Murder in the second degree carries a separate maximum prison term that is set out in state statute. See the Maryland General Assembly for the statutory definitions and penalties.
What Happens Next
Reports say the investigation remains active, and authorities have not released a court date. Prosecutors must complete formal filings and arraignment procedures before the case moves through the circuit court system. People living and working in the building did not immediately offer public comment as reporters continued to follow up with investigators.
