Murder-For-Hire Case Sees MD Man Plead Guilty To 2 Killings

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A 20-year-old Baltimore man pleaded guilty Thursday to two killings that occurred across Anne Arundel County in June 2024.

Deondre Tywon Sharps pleaded guilty to two counts each of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, according to a release from the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office.

The case centered around the June 2024 shooting deaths of Keion Damont McKinney and Joshua Ray Holland. Both men were 34 years old.

Sharps was 18 years old when both shootings took place.

Breaking Down The Cases

McKinney was fatally shot in Severn on June 14, 2024, and pronounced dead at the scene on the 1600 block of Meade Village Circle. Anne Arundel County Police had responded to the area shortly before 7:30 p.m.

A report from the medical examiner determined that McKinney had died from a single gunshot wound to the head, the release said.

Sharps was linked to the McKinney case through surveillance footage that captured the shooting and his Instagram account, where the Baltimore man "touted" that he participated in murder for hire.

Authorities later determined that the McKinney killing was targeted and that, in exchange, Sharps was expected to receive money and marijuana.

The second fatal shooting occurred just over two weeks later, on June 29, 2024.

Anne Arundel County Police were called to the Brooklyn Park area for reports of a man — later identified as Holland —who was thrown from a car traveling on Governor Richie Highway.

Like McKinney, Holland was pronounced dead at the scene. An examination by the medical examiner found that Holland suffered four gunshot wounds to the head and body.

Sharps' Arrest

Officials tied Sharps to the incident after his fingerprints were lifted from Holland's car, specifically from the exterior window of the driver's door.

A positive fingerprint match was returned July 11, 2024, five days after Sharps was arrested by Baltimore City Police for driving a stolen car.

Inside that vehicle, investigators also found a handgun that proved to be consistent with the firearm used in the McKinney killing.

"I am pleased that through the hard work and dedication of the Anne Arundel County police detectives, crime lab and prosecutors, the Defendant has been held accountable in both of these murders," State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess said in a statement.

"My heart goes out to the families of Mr. McKinney and Mr. Holland on the tragic loss of their loved ones."

Sentencing for both cases is scheduled for January 25, 2027.