Baltimore Detective Sean Suiter was killed with his own gun after struggle with killer

Suiter, who was killed in the line of duty, lived in Conewago Township.

(Baltimore) — Baltimore police Detective Sean Suiter, who lived in northern York County, was fatally wounded with his own weapon after a brief struggle with his killer last week, Commissioner Kevin Davis said Wednesday.

The department held a news conference late Wednesday afternoon to provide updates on the investigation into Suiter’s murder. The 18-year veteran of the department died on Nov. 16. He lived in a residential neighborhood in Conewago Township.

Police do not have a better description of the killer in Suiter’s death, Davis said. “I wish we did.”

Here is the latest on the case:

Killed with his own weapon: Police have evidence that a brief struggle ensued between Suiter and his killer before he was shot. A brief radio transmission was unintelligible, but Suiter “was clearly in distress,” Davis said. The apparent sound of gunfire can be heard in the background. The FBI is working with the department to enhance the audio. 

Authorities also found signs of a struggle on Suiter’s clothing. Police said evidence shows Suiter was killed with his own weapon.

Suiter’s partner, who sought cover across the street when shots were fired, immediately called 911, Davis said. It was captured on private surveillance video.

Scheduled to testify in federal case: Suiter was set to testify before a federal grand jury about an incident from a few years ago that involved department officers who were federally indicted in March.

Suiter was investigating a 2016 homicide when he was shot. It appears to be nothing more than a spontaneous observation of a person acting suspiciously and a spontaneous decision to investigate that person, Davis said.

Reward stands at $215,000: A reward being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of his killer stands at $215,000. 

Funeral services set: A funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries, 6000 Radecke Ave., Baltimore. Officers from Baltimore city and outside jurisdictions as well as honor guards and pipes are scheduled to attend.

Help for Suiter’s family: An official GoFundMe page has been set up for Suiter’s family. The goal is $50,000, and the money will be used to help support the family, it states.   

This story comes to us through a partnership between WITF and The York Daily Record.