LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office hosted its 24th Annual Silent Angel Memorial on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department in California, honoring homicide victims who lived in the county.
Dozens of family members, friends and community supporters gathered as ornaments bearing each victim’s name, date of birth and the date they became a “Silent Angel” were presented and placed on a memorial tree. The tradition, founded more than two decades ago by the late Eileen Bildman, continues under the care of her husband, Steve Bildman, who attended the ceremony.
Sheriff Steve Hall welcomed attendees and described the event as one of the sheriff’s office’s most important annual traditions.
“This has become one of the most important traditions of the Office of the Sheriff,” Hall said. “For over two decades, we’ve gathered together in our grief to support each other in bearing the loss of a loved one and to encourage each other while celebrating the lives and the light of our angels.”
Chaplain Charlie Wharton delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the lasting pain of violent loss. He specifically remembered Martina Lynn Patterson and Lyneasha Justice Greenwell, both killed in November 2021, telling families, “we will not forget.” A video recording of Chaplain Wharton’s full remarks and the reading of each Silent Angel’s name is available on the sheriff’s office YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@first-sheriff.
Detective Jeff Gray of the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center attended to provide information and support services to surviving family members.
Cadets from the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center Criminal Justice program assisted throughout the evening by presenting ornaments to families and helping display them on the tree.
The decorated memorial tree will remain on public display in the lobby of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office District 3 Station at 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in California through the first week of January 2026.
The Silent Angel Memorial began in St. Mary’s County began in 2001 after several high-profile homicide cases, including the 1999 murder of Eileen Bildman’s daughter. It has grown into an annual candlelight-style service held each December to ensure victims are remembered by name during the holiday season.
For additional information about the Silent Angel Memorial or victim services, contact Community Engagement Coordinator Mary Ross at 301-475-4200, ext. 1971, or Mary.Ross@stmaryscountymd.gov.
