A 19-year-old Davidsonville man has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder of 67-year-old Edward Stephen Koza, the owner of Tropic Bay Water Gardens in Davidsonville.
Jonah Michael Poole appeared in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court on June 26, 2026, before the Honorable Judge Cathleen Vitale. He had pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on March 18, 2026, in connection with Koza’s death in May 2025. Due to his age, the judge referred Poole to the Patuxent Youth Facility’s Youthful Offender Program. He was also ordered to forfeit approximately $215,000 stolen from the victim and a $15,000 truck purchased with additional stolen funds to Koza’s estate.
Poole’s co-defendant, 19-year-old Kylee Alyssa Dakes, remains charged with first-degree murder and is scheduled for trial beginning December 1, 2026.
The case, prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Marot Williamson and Kelly Poma, stemmed from a violent incident at Koza’s business. Previous reporting detailed how investigators uncovered clues in the killing, which was ruled a homicide shortly after the discovery of Koza’s body.
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to a case that shocked the Davidsonville community, a small area in Anne Arundel County known for its rural character and local businesses. Tropic Bay Water Gardens had been a fixture in the region, serving customers interested in water features and garden supplies. Koza’s death left a void in the tight-knit business community and raised concerns about safety in areas where residents often know one another.
The case drew attention across the area due to its brutality and the involvement of young defendants.
The referral to the Youthful Offender Program at Patuxent reflects Maryland’s approach to sentencing young adults convicted of serious crimes. The program focuses on rehabilitation, education and treatment, offering a structured environment that aims to reduce recidivism while acknowledging the developmental differences between juveniles and adults. Poole’s sentence includes the possibility of parole, meaning his long-term outcome will depend on his participation and progress in the program.
The forfeiture order ensures that assets gained through the crime are returned to the victim’s estate, providing some financial restitution for Koza’s family. Such orders are common in cases involving theft alongside violent crimes, helping to address the economic harm caused by the offense.
The investigation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, highlighted the collaborative nature of homicide probes in the region. From initial discovery to the identification of suspects and eventual sentencing, the case moved through the justice system with attention to detail and victim advocacy.
For the family and friends of Edward Koza, the sentencing marks the end of one chapter in a painful process. Community members in Davidsonville and surrounding areas have expressed support for stronger measures to address violent crime and protect local businesses.
The case also underscores the ongoing challenges of youth involvement in serious offenses. Maryland has seen efforts to balance accountability with rehabilitation, particularly for defendants under 21. The Youthful Offender Program at Patuxent is one tool in that approach, offering structured intervention for those who may benefit from intensive programming.
Poole’s co-defendant, Kylee Alyssa Dakes, will face her own trial later this year. The outcome of that proceeding could provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding Koza’s death.
Southern Maryland residents have followed the case closely, given the regional connections and the impact on local business owners. The sentencing reinforces the message that violent crimes, even in seemingly quiet communities, carry severe consequences.
