Baltimore County Police Make Arrest In Murder Of Morgan State Student

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) --  Police on Friday announced an arrest in the killing of a Morgan State University student.

Kevin Sharp, 22, of Towson, is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 21-year-old Barry Ransom, a Philadelphia man studying accounting at Morgan State, according to the Baltimore County Police Department.

Ransom was shot about 10:30 p.m. Monday night during a robbery in the parking lot of The Shops at Kenilworth, a shopping center on Kenilworth Drive in Towson. Ransom was taken to a hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Based on a preliminary investigation, detectives identified Sharp as the shooting suspect and took him into custody, police said.

It wasn't immediately clear Friday what led investigators to zero in on Sharp, but police previously said they were following up on several leads, including one Ransom provided before his death.

"There was a vague description that was provided by the victim, because the victim was alive when our officers arrived on the scene," police spokesperson Joy Stewart said.

Ransom was described by fellow students as a studious individual who could often be found at the library. His friends said he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

"He told me about how I shouldn't miss classes and how I need to stay on top of things," freshman Lyvell Barvour told WJZ. "Where I'm from, we call that a man-to-man talk."

Another freshman, Jaden Bennett, said classmates made a strong connection with Ransom even though he was an upperclassman.

"We only knew him for so long, but he made that type of impact," Bennett said.

The shooting unfolded days after another Morgan State student was shot during the university's homecoming festivities, though that student survived.

The university's administration released a statement in the wake of Ransom's death, lamenting his loss.

"Together as a community we mourn this tragic loss of life and offer our deepest sympathies to the Ransom family," the statement said. "We ask that you please keep them and their extended family and friends in prayer during this difficult time."

Sharp remains in custody at the Baltimore County Detention Center.