After Woman Killed In Baltimore Church, State Offers $100K Reward

BALTIMORE, MD — After a woman was killed in a church in East Baltimore, the state of Maryland will offer $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her killer.

Evelyn Player, 69, was killed Tuesday in the 1700 block of North Chester Street, police said.

Officers from the Eastern District were called to the location at 7:21 a.m. for a woman who was unresponsive. She had suffered bodily trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Player had been fatally stabbed in the bathroom at Southern Baptist Church, where she had arrived early to let in contractors, according to The Baltimore Sun.

“The murder of a 69-year-old grandmother inside a church in East Baltimore has shaken city residents and community leaders to the core," Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement Wednesday, announcing a reward for information. "It follows a string of senseless violence that includes a barber shop killing, and the assault of a priest in broad daylight in Little Italy just last week."

There have been 299 homicides so far this year in Baltimore, compared with 293 at this time in 2020, according to the Baltimore Police Department.

“People are hurting, they’re scared, and they’re searching for answers," Hogan said. "They want to know why this bloodshed keeps happening, and what it’s going to take for something to change."

There have been 635 nonfatal shootings this year, compared with 643 as of this time last year, police reported Wednesday.

“This heartbreaking violence is tearing the city apart," Hogan said. "Enough is enough. We need immediate action."

On Wednesday, Hogan said he directed Maryland State Police and "all state law enforcement agencies to immediately assist the Baltimore Police Department with its investigation and to provide enhanced visibility patrols in an all-hands-on-deck effort."

Police have identified a person of interest in the case of Player's death, according to WBAL, which reported it was someone known in the area.

“The State of Maryland is also offering an additional $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the murder of Evelyn Player," Hogan said. "We are calling on the city to use any resources at its disposal to match this reward. As we work to bring swift justice, Evelyn’s family and loved ones are in our prayers.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7Lockup.