Maryland State Police have arrested a 50-year-old woman in connection with the death of Demeatrum Scarborough, 53, following a fatal pedestrian collision in St. Mary’s County on Monday. The accused, Simone Stewart of Lexington Park, Maryland, faces charges including second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and homicide by motor vehicle. Stewart is currently being held at the St. Mary’s Detention Center awaiting a court appearance.
According to the Maryland State Police, Stewart was driving a Chevrolet Suburban that struck Scarborough in what is being investigated as an intentional act following an alleged altercation. Police believe the two were involved in a personal relationship, and investigators are exploring the possibility that this relationship may have played a role in the deadly incident.
The crash occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. on October 7, 2024, at Spring Valley Drive and Valley Court in Lexington Park. Troopers from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack responded to the scene and found Scarborough with severe injuries. He was airlifted to MedStar Washington Hospital by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command but was later pronounced dead.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit are leading the inquiry into the incident. The investigation is receiving support from multiple agencies, including the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division, crime scene technicians from the Forensic Sciences Division, and the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Authorities say Stewart and Scarborough were involved in a personal dispute before the crash. Evidence collected at the scene, along with witness statements and consultation with the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney, led investigators to charge Stewart with murder.
“Based on the information we have gathered, it appears that this tragic incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the two individuals,” said police officials. They also emphasized that the investigation is still active and ongoing as they continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Simone Stewart has also been charged with driving under the influence, adding to the severity of the allegations. Police are not yet commenting on whether alcohol played a direct role in the incident but noted that the charges reflect the gravity of the situation.
The incident has shocked the Lexington Park community, where both Stewart and Scarborough resided. Neighbors expressed disbelief over the incident, with some stating they had not witnessed any previous public altercations between the two.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to contact Maryland State Police homicide investigators at the Leonardtown Barrack. Callers may remain anonymous, and any tip provided could prove crucial to the investigation.
As of now, Stewart remains in custody, and no bond information has been released. She is expected to face a court commissioner in the coming days, where the specific details of the charges will be further outlined.
The community continues to grapple with the shock of the incident, while law enforcement officials work to determine what led to the deadly altercation.
