A Maryland man is in custody after allegedly murdering his mother and leaving her body in a bathroom. Jeremy Gentry, 48, was arrested Monday morning and charged with first- and second-degree murder.
A Maryland man has been arrested and charged with murdering his mother and leaving her body in a bathroom of the home they shared.
Jeremy Gentry, 48, was taken into custody Monday morning in connection with the death of Beatrice Kay Gentry, 68, according to Maryland State Police. He was charged with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.
Police were called to a home on Sand Castle Boulevard in Fruitland, Maryland, at about 9 p.m. Sunday for a report of an unconscious woman. When first responders entered the home, they found Beatrice Gentry's body in the bathtub. She was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel.
The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit took over the investigation and searched the home for evidence. Gentry was quickly identified as the suspect, and a warrant was obtained for his arrest. He was taken into custody without incident Monday morning.
Officials are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause and manner of Beatrice Gentry's death. Police said the motive for the killing is unclear, and the incident remains under investigation.
Gentry is being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center without bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 9.
This is not the first time Gentry has been in trouble with the law. In 2005, he was convicted of second-degree assault and reckless endangerment after he stabbed his girlfriend multiple times. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but was released on parole in 2011.
Gentry's arrest has shocked the community of Fruitland. Neighbors said they were horrified to hear about the killing.
"It's just so sad," said one neighbor. "She was a sweet lady. I can't believe someone would do this to her."
Another neighbor said, "I've lived here for 20 years, and I've never seen anything like this. It's a quiet neighborhood. We're all just in shock."
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit at 410-749-3101.
