Suspect In New Year's Murder Of Teen Girl In Ellicott City Dies

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The teenage boy who police say shot himself in the head after shooting and killing a 16-year-old girl in her Ellicott City bedroom in the early morning hours of New Year's Day has died.

The boy has been identified by Howard County Police as 15-year-old Sean Crizer. He went to the same school, Howard High School, and lived in the same neighborhood as the victim, Charlotte Zaremba.

Neighbors say Crizer was an altar boy.

"Nothing like this has ever happened in this community," said neighbor Frank Lupashunksi. "He comes from a good family."

"I'm just in shock," another neighbor, AnnaMae Lupashunski, said. "I'm so overwhelmed. I've known him since he was a little boy. They're all such a great family. It's just so sad and hard to understand."

Police have learned that Charlotte's parents left their house in the 4800 block of Knoll Glen Drive on New Year's Eve to pick her up from a party.

They returned home and a short time later, around 2 a.m., Suzanne Zaremba heard a scuffle in her daughter's bedroom. She entered the room and found Charlotte struggling with a masked suspect.

She was confronted by Crizer, who shot her and her daughter, according to investigators.

He then turned the gun on himself.

Charlotte was pronounced dead at Howard County General Hospital. Suzanne, 52, was taken to Shock Trauma, where she was treated and released.

Crizer was transported to Shock Trauma in critical condition, where he remained until his passing.

"At this time we have no idea at how the suspect gained entry into the home. The suspect is dead, Charlotte is dead. We can't ask them the questions that both you and we want to know. At this time, we don't see any link between the suspect and the victims," said Sherry Llewellyn, Howard County Police spokesperson.

At this stage of the investigation, police have not found any indication of a relationship between Crizer and Charlotte.

Detectives believe Crizer is responsible for burglarizing at least two homes in the same neighborhood, one on Alice Avenue and the other on Marybeth Way, in the weeks leading up to the shooting.

The gun police say Crizer used to shoot Charlotte and her mother had been reported stolen from the residence on Marybeth Way.

Police do not know the motive in the homicide and do not know if Crizer was targeting Charlotte or her home.

"When I heard more about what actually happened, it was a lot more shocking to me. This one has definitely been more shocking," said student Zach Olivier.

"Me not knowing them, even I almost had to step out to take a walk. It's hard for everybody," said Zack Vilsehick.

The Zaremba family released this statement Tuesday:

"The family of Charlotte Michelle Zaremba is very grateful to the community for the outpouring of support. We are overwhelmed by the many prayers, tributes, and thoughts that have been sent our way as we mourn the sudden loss of an amazing and caring young woman.

We are particularly grateful to the Howard County Police and Fire Departments, University of Maryland Shock Trauma, the Howard County General Hospital pediatric unit, and the Howard County Violent Crimes Unit for the care and professionalism they have shown.

We respectfully ask for privacy as we deal with our grief and loss. A Go Fund me account has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and for charitable organizations that Charlotte supported. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be released when finalized."

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the Zarembas by a family friend.

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