According to Howard County Public Schools, the teen’s criminal past has not been officially disclosed

BALTIMORE (WBFF) – According to school officials, Howard County Public Schools was only officially made aware of a teenager’s criminal past after he was arrested at school under Department of Juvenile Services supervision with a loaded gun in his backpack and wearing an ankle monitor.

A 17-year-old was arrested Tuesday at Howard High School in connection with the murder investigation of 26-year-old Kendrick McLellan, who was found dead in his car outside a Columbia office parking lot, according to Howard County police. Investigators say McLellan and the teen knew each other, but the nature of their relationship remains unclear.

It was revealed in court Wednesday that the 17-year-old was under DJS supervision via a GPS ankle monitor stemming from a 2023 murder attempt in Anne Arundel County.

There are several crimes throughout Maryland that are considered reportable crimes. That means if a student is arrested off campus and charged with such a crime, the arresting law enforcement agency is required by state law to alert the school system. Attempted homicide is also a reportable crime.

“We have not received any official disclosure,” said Brian Bassett, director of communications and engagement for the Howard County Public Schools System.

Bassett said the school system has received 30 reported offenses for active HCPSS students since July 1, 2024.

It’s unclear how long the teen has been enrolled in Howard County Public Schools. Because the previous incident that resulted in the teen being placed on an ankle monitor occurred in Anne Arundel County, FOX45 News reached out to that school district to see if the teen was ever enrolled. This question still needs to be answered.

This Howard County murder investigation renews calls from some, particularly state Republican lawmakers, for leadership changes at DJS. Minister Vincent Schiraldi has been criticized for almost his entire term in office for his philosophy regarding young people and crime. He has worked to ensure fewer juvenile offenders are incarcerated and has faced scrutiny during his confirmation process.

After details of the Howard County teen’s arrest emerged, House Republican leadership renewed its call for Gov. Wes Moore to replace DJS Secretary Schiraldi.

“Two weeks ago, the Joint Republican Caucus respectfully asked Governor Moore to remove Secretary Schiraldi from his position at the Department of Child Services,” House Minority Leader Jason Buckel and House Minority Leader Jesse Pippy said in a statement . “Today, following the arrest of a juvenile offender who was not only implicated in a murder under DJS supervision with an ankle monitor, but also managed to come to school with a weapon, we renew this call. Our neighborhoods and schools can no longer be the laboratory for the Minister’s failed policies. Our citizens and our children deserve safe neighborhoods free of violent criminals.”

Republican leaders aren’t the only ones calling on Gov. Moore to change his choice to lead the Department of Child Services. Arch McKown, a community leader in Southeast Baltimore, started an online petition calling on Governor Moore to replace Secretary Schiraldi.

“When I look at that track record and look at what he’s all about, I think Vinny Schiraldi just doesn’t understand the public safety aspect of his agency,” McKown said.

After DJS announced policy changes regarding detention and electronic monitoring of young people, Governor Moore said the changes were “important announcements to ensure there are real accountability measures” but said he understood there was still work to be done .

“We believe we need to continue to coordinate and work together to make the system work better. We know we have work to do,” said Governor Moore. “We must ensure that people are responsible for their actions, and we plan to work with anyone who wants to be a serious partner in this work.”

However, repeated questions to Governor Moore and his office as to whether he is still at Secretary Schiraldi’s side remained unanswered.

John Dedie, a political analyst, said Gov. Moore is likely behind the person he appointed and noted other things that could get the governor’s attention.

“I think Schiraldi is Wes Moore’s guy,” Dedie said. “Unfortunately I think that’s maybe a little harsh, I think that focusing on November 5th is something different. “It’s the election. I think he’s more focused on Kamala Harris and a variety of other things; I campaign and travel to different states.”

“I think it sends a bad message because people want to do something about this,” Dedie added.

Del. Stuart Schmidt, a Republican from Anne Arundel County, sits on the House Judiciary Committee. He said he, too, thinks there needs to be a change in leadership at DJS and said the teen’s arrest at Howard County High School should be a warning sign.

“When we heard about it, the group reached out to the governor’s office and asked about his [Schiraldi’s] Resignation. I just think we need to make more changes, especially at the top,” Del said. Schmidt.

So far, he said he hasn’t heard of any interim hearings that may be scheduled to discuss juvenile justice legislation or changes to current policy. However, Del. Schmidt described the recent changes to detention and surveillance policies as “too little, too late.”

“We’ve talked about, you know, no one being left behind and I feel like these situations happen every week and we leave people behind and it’s just not fair to Marylanders for something like that to happen.”

Follow political reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook. Send tips to [email protected].