Detectives with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division have made a third arrest connected to two violent incidents that struck Lexington Park within minutes of each other last week.
Katina Marie Knott, 39, of Lexington Park, was arrested Aug. 15 on a warrant charging her with first- and second-degree assault, home invasion and third-degree burglary. She is the third person charged in connection with the Aug. 13 incidents; two co-defendants, Tina Marie Tippett, 37, and Javone Lawrence Warrick, 35, both of Lexington Park, were arrested days earlier and face more serious charges, including attempted first- and second-degree murder, in addition to first- and second-degree assault, home invasion and third-degree burglary.
The case stems from two incidents about half a mile apart. Around 9:23 p.m. Aug. 13, deputies responded to the 21000 block of Great Mills Road for a reported burglary; a resident told investigators he had been assaulted and was treated at the scene for cuts to his face and arm. About 12 minutes later, deputies were called to the 46000 block of Midway Drive for a reported stabbing. A man found at that scene had injuries to his leg, arm and stomach and was flown to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Investigators have said the two scenes are connected, though the Sheriff’s Office has not detailed how Knott’s alleged role differed from that of Tippett and Warrick, who face the attempted-murder charges tied to the Midway Drive stabbing.
Court records reviewed independently show a Javone Lawrence Warrick of Lexington Park was previously charged in July 2024 with two counts of second-degree assault on an incarcerated individual within the Division of Correction. It was not immediately clear whether that case involved the same Warrick now charged in the Lexington Park incidents.
Under Maryland law, home invasion — which applies when someone breaks into a residence specifically intending to commit a violent crime once inside — carries a maximum sentence of 25 years, a higher ceiling than several other violent felonies, including robbery. Home invasion and attempted murder are both classified as crimes of violence, a designation that can factor into bail decisions and support holding a defendant without bond pending trial. Because the two incidents involved separate victims at separate addresses, a judge could also choose to impose consecutive rather than concurrent sentences if any of the three defendants are convicted, which would raise their practical maximum exposure.
As is standard, an arrest and criminal charges are accusations rather than a finding of guilt, and all three defendants are presumed innocent unless and until a court determines otherwise.
The investigation remains open and has been assumed by the Criminal Investigations Division. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Andrew Burgess at 301-475-4200, ext. 8041, or Andrew.Burgess@stmaryscountymd.gov. Tips can also be reported to the Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008, or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333, by texting “SMCSO” plus a tip to 847411, through the SMCSO app, or online at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips. Crime Solvers tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
