On Thursday, December 25, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., deputies assigned to the Southern Precinct of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) were dispatched to the 1600 block of Candlewood Court in Edgewood for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located Marquis Gaskins, a 32-year-old male, suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Deputies immediately began life saving efforts until medics arrived on scene and took over trauma care. The victim was flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to an area hospital for emergency surgery. He is currently in stable condition.
With assistance from the community and investigative measures, deputies determined the shooting occurred outside in the 1700 block of Dearwood Court. The investigation led deputies to identify the vehicle believed to be involved in the incident.
At approximately 12:00 a.m. on December 26th, deputies located the vehicle in the area of Conowingo Road and the Bel Air Bypass and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, identified as 37-year-old Kenneth King Jr., was observed wearing clothing consistent with an individual captured in video surveillance related to the shooting. During the stop, deputies observed a handgun inside the vehicle that matched the description of a firearm seen in the video. King was taken into custody without incident.
The investigation was assumed by detectives with the HCSO Criminal Investigations Division. Investigators from the Forensic Services Unit also responded to assist. Based on the investigation, deputies obtained and executed multiple search and seizure warrants. Detectives recovered a loaded 9mm handgun and multiple cellular phones.
While the motive remains under investigation, it is believed that all parties involved are known to each other and the shooting was not random.
Kenneth King Jr. was transported to the Harford County Detention Center and charged with Attempted Murder, Assault, and related handgun offenses. After an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner, King is being held without bail.