Howard County Police Arrest Columbia Man After Roommate Fatally Stabbed During Overnight Dispute, Records Show

Arrest follows early-morning call to Columbia apartment complex

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in Howard County after police said his roommate was found fatally wounded inside a Columbia apartment during an overnight altercation.

Howard County police were dispatched at about 1:40 a.m. Sunday to an apartment in the 7600 block of Woodpark Lane for a reported stabbing. Inside, officers found 25-year-old Jaelon Minor suffering from stab wounds. Minor was pronounced dead at the scene.

What investigators say happened

Investigators identified the suspect as Minor’s roommate, Donavan Townsend. Police said Townsend fled after the incident but was located a short time later and taken into custody.

Charging documents described a dispute that escalated inside the apartment. The documents also describe a bladed weapon as part of the incident. Court records list Townsend as facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

Court actions and custody status

Townsend appeared in court Monday for a bail review hearing. He was ordered held without bail. The case is expected to proceed through the District Court and, depending on charging decisions and filings, may be transferred to Circuit Court.

Community details included in court filings

Court filings state that Minor and Townsend had a longstanding connection and that their families were familiar with one another. The filings also describe an ongoing conflict tied to financial issues as part of the background to the dispute.

Police have not released a broader narrative beyond the charging documents and initial incident report, and additional details may emerge through future court proceedings.

Investigation continues; police request public information

Detectives said the investigation remains active as they continue interviewing potential witnesses and documenting evidence related to the killing. Police have asked anyone with information to contact investigators.

• Incident location: 7600 block of Woodpark Lane, Columbia
• Reported time of initial dispatch: about 1:40 a.m. Sunday
• Victim: Jaelon Minor, 25
• Suspect: Donavan Townsend, 23

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations. Townsend is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.