ANNAPOLIS, Md. — An Anne Arundel County judge sentenced 21-year-old Jaden Crowner to life in prison on April 30, 2025, for the 2020 murder of Walters Elangwe during a staged smartphone sale, State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess announced. This marks Crowner’s second murder conviction in two years, with the sentence running consecutively to a prior life sentence with all but 50 years suspended for a 2022 killing. The ruling ensures Crowner, deemed a significant danger, remains incarcerated.
On July 11, 2020, Walters Elangwe, 29, drove to the 1100 block of Primrose Court in Annapolis to buy an Apple iPhone. In the parking lot, Crowner approached Elangwe’s car, accompanied by another individual. A witness observed a brief conversation before Crowner brandished a handgun and fired multiple shots through Elangwe’s windshield. Elangwe reversed into another vehicle and stopped. He was rushed to Anne Arundel Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“Walters Elangwe met with the defendant for what he expected to be a quick sale of a smartphone. Instead, the defendant shot him without a second thought of the life he was taking,” Leitess said. “This is the second murder conviction for this defendant, making it clear he has no regard for human life and is a significant danger. This life sentence, in addition to his previous lengthy sentence, ensures he is no longer a danger to our community.”
The witness reported seeing Crowner and his accomplice flee to a side street, joined by a third person, before escaping through a wooded pathway. Police used cellphone records and surveillance footage to identify Crowner as the shooter. Assistant State’s Attorneys Glen Neubauer and Brian Pritchard prosecuted the case, with Judge Pamela Alban presiding.
Crowner’s prior conviction stems from the February 27, 2022, murder of 19-year-old Devin Scott Freeman in Brooklyn Park. Crowner lured Freeman to Gonce Funeral Service under the pretense of buying marijuana. Security footage captured a struggle, after which Freeman collapsed. Police found Freeman’s body with an empty wallet, missing shoes, shirt, and jacket. A burnt backpack and other items were later recovered. A medical examiner confirmed Freeman died from gunshot wounds.
Social media evidence revealed Freeman had arranged to meet Crowner for the sale. During a search of Crowner’s home, detectives found a black hoodie stained with Freeman’s blood. In April 2023, Crowner entered an Alford plea to first-degree murder and firearm use, receiving a life sentence with all but 50 years suspended.
The consecutive life sentence for Elangwe’s murder reflects the severity of Crowner’s actions. Leitess emphasized the need to protect the community from such violence. The case underscores the dangers of seemingly routine transactions, with both murders involving deceptive arrangements. Annapolis police continue to investigate the accomplices involved in the 2020 shooting, as no additional arrests have been reported.
Crowner’s convictions highlight a pattern of premeditated violence. The Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office remains committed to pursuing justice for victims, leveraging evidence like digital records and forensics to secure convictions. Elangwe’s and Freeman’s families continue to grieve, while the community seeks safer streets.
