OCPD Charges Primary Suspect in May 29 Homicide

Released in cooperation with The Office of the Worcester County State’s Attorney.

Darren M. Beattie

OCEAN CITY, MD – (June 7, 2016): After an extensive review of surveillance footage, forensic evidence, multiple witness statements and citizen tips, detectives of the Ocean City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division Major Crimes Unit have charged Darren M. Beattie, 21, of Sparrows Point, MD, in the homicide that occurred at 136th Street and Coastal Highway on May 29, 2016.

On May 29, 2016, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Ocean City Police and EMS responded to the area of 136th Street & Coastal Highway in reference to an assault. Ocean City EMS transported the victim, Ryan M. Shupert, 31, of Lutherville Timonium, MD, to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with life-threatening injuries. Shupert succumbed to his injuries and passed away on May 31. Shupert’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland who ruled the death to be a homicide.

With assistance from numerous leads provided by the public, resort detectives were able to tentatively identify the suspect as Beattie. Equipped with this information, detectives travelled to the Dundalk and Sparrow Point neighborhoods of Baltimore County, MD on Saturday, June 4. With support from the Baltimore County Police Department Homicide and Intelligence Units, Ocean City detectives were able to quickly locate and interview Beattie along with other witnesses and involved parties.

Earlier this morning, Tuesday, June 7, detectives applied for and received an arrest warrant for Beattie charging him with manslaughter and 2nd degree assault. Beattie turned himself in to police at the Ocean City Public Safety Building later this afternoon. He is currently being held at the Ocean City Public Safety Building awaiting an initial appearance before a Maryland District Court Commissioner.

While he would not make any substantive comments about a pending case, The State’s Attorney for Worcester County Beau H. Oglesby, commented, “This type of senseless, preventable and tragic situation should serve as a reminder to everyone who finds public fights anywhere in Worcester County acceptable – they’re not. Not only are they unacceptable but people can lose their lives and others can lose their freedom.” He went on to further thank “Detectives James Rodriguez and Brett Case of the Ocean City Police Department for their swift, thorough and professional investigation.”

The Ocean City Police Department would also like to thank the many citizens that called in to provide helpful tips, and the invaluable assistance received from the Baltimore County Police Department. Anyone that believes they may have additional information is asked to call 410-723-6602 or submit a tip at oceancitymd.gov/police.