On September 14, 2025, Breante Thomas, a 28-year-old Waldorf resident, was arrested by the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Fugitive Unit for the murder of her 81-year-old grandmother, Helen Thomas, in Fort Washington. The arrest, made in collaboration with the Charles County and Calvert County Sheriff’s Offices, followed a swift investigation into a violent stabbing incident that left one dead and another critically injured. The capture occurred in Waldorf, marking a critical step in a case that has shaken the Southern Maryland community.
The incident unfolded at approximately 1:50 p.m. on Sunday when Prince George’s County police responded to a welfare check at a residence in the 500 block of Bonhill Drive, Fort Washington. Officers discovered Helen Thomas suffering from multiple stab wounds inside her home. Despite efforts to save her, the 81-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, an adult male family member, was also found with stab injuries and rushed to a hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. The preliminary investigation identified Breante Thomas as the suspect, alleging she stabbed both victims during a domestic altercation.
Breante Thomas faces charges of first- and second-degree murder, attempted first- and second-degree murder, and additional related offenses. She was apprehended in Waldorf, roughly 20 miles from the crime scene, after a coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The Prince George’s County Police Department publicly acknowledged the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and Calvert County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in tracking and detaining the suspect, highlighting the regional cooperation that expedited her capture.
The investigation into the motive and circumstances of the stabbing is ongoing. Authorities have not released specific details about what led to the violent encounter, but the case has drawn attention due to its familial nature and the severity of the charges. The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, working to piece together the events that culminated in the tragedy at the Bonhill Drive residence. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in ensuring justice.
For those wishing to provide information, the Prince George’s County Police Department has outlined multiple avenues. Individuals can contact the Homicide Unit directly at 301-516-2512 or reach out to Crime Solvers anonymously through www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers are asked to reference case number 25-005122. Anonymity is guaranteed for those who prefer it, a measure designed to encourage tips in sensitive cases like this one.
Maryland’s legal framework for homicide cases, as outlined in the Maryland Criminal Law Code, defines first-degree murder as a deliberate and premeditated act, carrying a potential life sentence without parole. Second-degree murder, which does not require premeditation, can result in up to 40 years in prison. Attempted murder charges, as filed against Thomas for the attack on the second victim, carry similar penalties depending on the degree. The Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case, with preliminary hearings expected in the coming weeks.
