In the early hours of December 13, 2025, the life of Shanelle Cawthorne, a 50-year-old Black woman, was tragically cut short. At approximately 1:13 a.m., Baltimore Police were called to the 800 block of Chesapeake Avenue for a reported shooting. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Cawthorne suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into Cawthorne's death led detectives to identify a suspect.
On December 26, 2025, members of the Warrant Apprehension Task Force located and arrested 34-year-old Emanuel Thomas in the 1200 block of East Preston Street. Thomas, a resident of Howard County, was taken into custody in connection with Cawthorne's homicide.
Following his arrest, Emanuel Thomas was transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility. He has since been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and multiple handgun violations for his alleged role in the fatal shooting of Shanelle Cawthorne.
