PHOTO OF WEAPON USED IN MURDER OF UMES STUDENT RELEASED

(PRINCESS ANNE, MD) -- Maryland State Police investigators today released a photo of the weapon believed to have been used to murder a University of Maryland Eastern Shore student in February, in an attempt to generate more information about the person or persons responsible for the crime.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators released the photo of a Remington Sportsman’s Series folding knife with a 3 ½” inch blade. The knife handle is reddish orange with a black camouflage print. The knife is believed to have been manufactured and sold in 2010.

The knife was found by State Police Homicide Unit investigators on the ground near the scene where Edmond A. St. Clair, 21, was murdered when he was stabbed at about 9:00 p.m. on February 16, 2013. The crime occurred when St. Clair was a passenger in a Honda traveling across campus along College Backbone Road, not far from the Student Services Center. Investigators believe several people were walking in the street and an altercation ensued between them and St. Clair.

The knife in the photo released today has been examined at the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division Crime Laboratory. Evidence found on the knife has positively connected it to the St. Clair crime scene. Specific information regarding the evidence on the knife and its connection to the crime will not be released.

State Police investigators believe the unique orange and black camouflage handle might be enough to prompt the memory of someone who may have seen the knife before. Anyone with information about the knife is urged to contact police immediately.

State Police also stressed today that the search for suspects has expanded far beyond the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus. Due to the Homecoming Weekend activities occurring, there were hundreds of people on the UMES campus, many of whom were from the Baltimore/Washington D.C. corridor. Not all of those on campus that weekend were university alumni. Several events were open to the public. Activities persons from out of the area may have been attending included an alumni breakfast, parade, tailgate party, scholarship luncheons, pep rally, men’s and women’s basketball games, and evening receptions.

The description of possible suspects continues to be that of three tall, African American males, two of whom have lighter complexions. All three were wearing dark clothing and one may have been wearing some type of ski mask.

Investigators would also like to identify three potential witnesses who were in the area at the time of the crime. They are believed to have been walking toward the student apartments shortly after 9:00 p.m. Two of the three are believed to have been carrying umbrellas. Two more potential witnesses may have been walking toward the scene shortly after the murder occurred.

Troopers are trying to identify a light colored vehicle, possibly a Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable. This vehicle was seen in the area of the crime scene. Investigators would like to interview the driver and any passengers in this vehicle who may be potential witnesses to the crime. Police are also trying to identify the driver and any passengers who were in a gold vehicle. This vehicle was seen turning around a short time after the murder occurred, heading back toward the crime scene.

Persons with information are urged to contact Maryland State Police at 410-651-3101, or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Crime Solvers and UMES are offering rewards up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s).