New Details In Cold Case Lead Detectives To Imprisoned Suspect

EDGEWOOD, MD — Detectives have solved a nearly 20-year-old cold case thanks to a witness who came forward and provided new information.

On Aug. 26, 2007, Harford County sheriff's deputies were called to the 1900 block of Edgewater Drive for a report of a stabbing. They found David Arnold Byrd, Jr. with a single stab wound to the upper body. He was taken to a local trauma center where he died. An investigation led detectives to identify Gary Williams as a person of interest. However, detectives could gather enough evidence at the time to formally charge Williams in connection to Byrd's death, the sheriff's office stated.

During the past 18 years, detectives continued to investigate Byrd's death. They were able to track down a witness who offered new information, leading to a break in the case.

"The witness’s account was deemed credible and provided investigators with the necessary evidence to move forward. As a result, Gary Williams was indicted on charges related to the murder of David Arnold Byrd, Jr. and an arrest warrant was issued," the sheriff's office stated.

Williams currently is in prison for an unrelated crime. After he's released, he will be taken into custody by the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

“No matter how long it takes, solving every homicide case remains a top priority for our office. We want justice and closure for the loved ones of the victim, we want the offender to be held accountable, and we want Harford County to remain the safe place that it is," stated Harford County Sheriff's Jeffrey Gahler.