PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Thomas Eugene Harris II, 28, was sentenced to life imprisonment on June 20, 2025, for the first-degree murder of Shaquille Quadry Braxton, 30, in Prince Frederick. The sentencing, imposed by Calvert County Circuit Court Judge Mark S. Chandlee, followed Harris’ guilty plea on February 14, 2025. The fatal stabbing occurred on February 15, 2024, stemming from a dispute over Braxton’s visit to his child, whose mother was in a relationship with Harris.
On the evening of the incident, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a serious assault at the intersection of Armory Road and Fairgrounds Road at approximately 10:22 p.m. They found Braxton unresponsive in a field, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Emergency Medical Services provided immediate treatment and transported him to CalvertHealth Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau identified Harris as the suspect, leading to his arrest after he turned himself in.
The investigation revealed that Harris stalked Braxton, who was on his way to deliver a Valentine’s Day present to his child. An argument ensued when Braxton arrived, escalating into violence. Harris stabbed Braxton multiple times before fleeing to Prince George’s County with his girlfriend and the child. He disposed of the murder weapon during his escape. Assistant State’s Attorney April N. Brown prosecuted the case, securing Harris’ conviction for first-degree premeditated murder and first-degree assault.
Harris, a Prince Frederick resident, was held at the Calvert County Detention Center following his arrest. His guilty plea came exactly one year after the murder, and the life sentence reflects the severity of the crime. The court’s decision closes a case that shook the local community, highlighting tensions in personal relationships that led to a tragic outcome.
His decision to turn himself in came after several days on the run, and he has remained in custody since. The case moved swiftly through the judicial system, with Harris entering his plea four months before his sentencing.
The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office played a critical role in apprehending Harris, ensuring that justice was served for Braxton’s family. The prosecution, led by Brown, presented a clear case of premeditation, supported by evidence of Harris’ actions before and after the crime. The court’s ruling underscores the consequences of violent acts and serves as a reminder of the impact of such incidents on the community.
