Three Charged in Fatal Shooting of 5-Year-Old in Linkwood

Dorchester County, MD - On August 11, 2026 at approximately 2:17 AM, troopers from the Maryland State Police Easton Barrack responded to a residence in the 3900-block of Ocean Gateway in Linkwood, Maryland for a report of a shooting.

Troopers arrived and found two victims with gunshot wounds. As a result of the shooting, a five-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. 

A 30-year-old man, identified as Ryan Adams, was also shot. He was flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a trauma center for treatment. Adams' five-year-old child lived at the home on Ocean Gateway.

Investigators later connected the shooting to an earlier incident in Hurlock that same night. A 15-year-old, later identified as Adams' nephew, was involved in an altercation at a home on Gold Rush Lane. The nephew called Adams, who came to the scene and opened fire, striking a teenager.

The 15-year-old has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and other related charges. He is being held at the Lower Eastern Shore Children's Center. Adams faces charges of attempted first and second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and other related charges. He remains hospitalized.

During the homicide investigation, police say they found communication between Lindsay Jo Ewing, 42, of Cambridge, and Anthony D. Harris, 26, of Hurlock. Investigators believe Ewing used information available to her through her job at a defense attorney's office to help Harris avoid detection after the Linkwood shooting.

Harris and Wendell A. Wongus III, 23, of Hurlock, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and other related charges in the girl's death. Ewing was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and other related charges. All three are being held without bond.

"These arrests are the result of the dedication, persistence, and thorough investigative work of our troopers, forensic team, and investigators," said Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. "These incidents crossed multiple jurisdictions, and our investigators remained committed to following every lead, examining the evidence, and working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners. Their efforts send a clear message to this community that this type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated."

Because Dorchester County's State's Attorney had a conflict of interest with this case, Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie Dykes is assisting with the case. "Violent crime in Dorchester County affects the entire Lower Eastern Shore and, most importantly, can tragically alter the lives of victims, families, and communities for generations," Dykes said. "My Office will do everything lawfully and ethically within our authority to ensure that these cases are handled fairly, thoroughly, and with the seriousness they deserve. Our responsibility is to follow the facts, apply the law, and pursue justice while protecting the integrity of the process."

The FBI is assisting with the investigation and has added to the reward for information. "The FBI extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Na'Ryah Adams," said Jimmy Paul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. "We're contributing $15 thousand (dollars) to the reward for information to identify everyone involved in her murder. If you know something about this shooting, share it with us."

The Maryland State Police and FBI are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit tip line at 202-953-1903. Callers may remain anonymous.

The investigation remains active.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.