West Baltimore, January 13, 2026

A tragic incident in West Baltimore led to the death of Philip Jones, who was fatally struck by a vehicle. Originally treated as a hit-and-run, authorities have since reclassified the incident as a homicide. The investigation revealed that the collision was intentional, resulting in the arrest of Michael Akiel Manigo. The community mourns the loss of Jones, who was cherished for his contributions and passion for music.

Baltimore, MD – Fatal Hit-and-Run in West Baltimore Ruled Homicide

On January 4, 2026, a 48-year-old man, Philip Jones, was fatally struck by a vehicle in the 1200 block of West North Avenue in West Baltimore. Initially treated as a hit-and-run, the incident has been reclassified as a homicide following further investigation.

Incident Details

At approximately 8 a.m., Jones was found with severe head and body injuries after being struck by a vehicle. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained in critical condition for three days before being pronounced dead on January 7. Witness interviews and forensic evidence led homicide detectives to conclude that the collision was intentional, prompting the reclassification of the case as a homicide.

Investigation and Arrest

On January 8, 2026, Michael Akiel Manigo, 31, of Baltimore, was arrested in connection with the incident. Police located the disabled vehicle believed to have struck Jones in the 2300 block of Annapolis Road. Manigo was initially charged with attempted first-degree murder; however, charges are expected to be upgraded following Jones’ death. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review surveillance footage and gather forensic evidence.

Community Impact

Jones was a churchgoer who sang in the choir and is described as a loyal friend who enjoyed bowling and playing the piano. His family expressed shock and grief over the incident, emphasizing his positive contributions to the community. The case has drawn attention to issues of pedestrian safety and intentional vehicular violence in Baltimore.

Background Context

Fatal hit-and-run incidents in Baltimore have been a concern in recent years. In August 2025, a similar incident occurred at the intersection of North President Street and East Baltimore Street, where an unidentified adult male was fatally struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. The reclassification of Jones’ case as a homicide underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing intentional vehicular violence in the city.

Weather Conditions

On the day of the incident, January 4, 2026, Baltimore experienced sunny conditions with a high of 50°F (10°C) and a low of 41°F (5°C). These conditions were not considered a contributing factor to the accident.

Related Incidents

In a separate incident on January 11, 2026, a Virginia man was killed in a hit-and-run crash on the Baltimore Beltway in the Towson area. The victim, identified as Ahmed Waqus Qayun Kahn, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a Chevrolet Equinox. The driver of the Equinox fled the scene, and authorities are seeking assistance in locating the vehicle involved. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing hit-and-run accidents in the Baltimore area.

Public Appeal

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident involving Philip Jones to contact homicide detectives or leave an anonymous tip through Metro Crime Stoppers. Public assistance is crucial in solving such cases and ensuring justice for victims and their families.

Conclusion

The fatal hit-and-run incident in West Baltimore has been reclassified as a homicide following further investigation. The arrest of Michael Akiel Manigo marks a significant development in the case, and authorities continue to seek information from the public to ensure justice for the victim and his family. The community remains vigilant and hopeful for a resolution to this tragic event.

FAQ

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