[December 2, 2015, Bel Air, MD] Detectives with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division have charged two individuals in connection with the homicide of Travis Harrell Best, 34. Best was found dead near the Elks Lodge on Harford Boat Club Road on August 12, 2015.

On December 1, 2015, Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Lauren Paulette Valiquet, 28 of Baltimore, and Walter McMillan Dorsey, 33 of Baltimore. The warrants are for 1st degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Firearm Use in Commission of a Felony. Both are currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on unrelated charges.

Shortly after 6:20 p.m., on Wednesday, August 12th, patrol deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Southern Precinct responded to a 911 call reporting a decomposing body in an area next to the Elks Lodge on Harford Boat Club Road. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division was requested to respond and take the lead on the investigation. Detectives from the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police Departments provided additional assistance. Harford County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services detectives processed the scene for critical evidence. Best’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsy, where they determined his death was the result of homicide by shooting.

Through forensic investigation and interviews, detectives collected evidence and developed information that led to the charging of Valiquet and Dorsey. During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that on August 5th , Best planned to visit Valiquet, who is the victim’s estranged wife, and their children. Valiquet’s boyfriend, Dorsey, was also at that location. Dorsey and Best were previously involved in a physical altercation. Best was last seen around 12:45 a.m., on August 6th in the 7000 block of Harford Road in Baltimore. Family reported him missing on August 9th.

There is nothing further to report at this time.