Baltimore, Maryland, January 16, 2026
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that Baltimore police officers will not face charges in the death of Dontae Melton, Jr., who died in police custody following a mental health crisis. The investigation concluded that the officers acted within department policies and did not use excessive force. Melton’s family has condemned the decision and plans to pursue civil litigation, raising concerns about accountability in such cases. This incident is now part of a broader pattern of similar cases in Baltimore where no charges were brought against officers involved in fatal encounters.
Baltimore, Maryland – No Charges in Police Custody Death of Dontae Melton
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has announced that no criminal charges will be filed against the Baltimore police officers involved in the death of 31-year-old Dontae Melton, Jr. in June 2025.
On June 24, 2025, Melton approached a Baltimore police officer at the intersection of West Franklin Street and North Franklintown Road, appearing to be in a mental health crisis. Despite the officer’s requests, Melton repeatedly ran into the street. Additional officers arrived, and Melton was placed in handcuffs and leg restraints. Emergency medical services (EMS) were called but did not respond. Officers transported Melton to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead the following day. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide caused by restraint, hyperthermia, and drug intoxication.
The Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing body-worn camera footage, witness interviews, and other evidence. The IID concluded that the officers did not use excessive force or act recklessly, and that their actions were in accordance with Baltimore Police Department policies. Consequently, the Attorney General’s Office has declined to prosecute the officers involved.
Melton’s family has condemned the decision, expressing disbelief over the lack of charges. They plan to pursue civil litigation, citing delayed medical care and potential city liability. The case has drawn attention to the challenges in holding law enforcement accountable in fatal police encounters, as Maryland investigators rarely charge police in such incidents.
This case adds to a series of high-profile incidents in Baltimore, including the deaths of Freddie Gray in 2015 and Tyrone West in 2013, where no charges were filed against police officers involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Dontae Melton, Jr.?
On June 24, 2025, 31-year-old Dontae Melton, Jr. approached a Baltimore police officer at the intersection of West Franklin Street and North Franklintown Road, appearing to be in a mental health crisis. Despite the officer’s requests, Melton repeatedly ran into the street. Additional officers arrived, and Melton was placed in handcuffs and leg restraints. Emergency medical services (EMS) were called but did not respond. Officers transported Melton to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead the following day. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide caused by restraint, hyperthermia, and drug intoxication.
What was the outcome of the investigation?
The Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing body-worn camera footage, witness interviews, and other evidence. The IID concluded that the officers did not use excessive force or act recklessly, and that their actions were in accordance with Baltimore Police Department policies. Consequently, the Attorney General’s Office has declined to prosecute the officers involved.
How has Melton’s family responded?
Melton’s family has condemned the decision, expressing disbelief over the lack of charges. They plan to pursue civil litigation, citing delayed medical care and potential city liability. The case has drawn attention to the challenges in holding law enforcement accountable in fatal police encounters, as Maryland investigators rarely charge police in such incidents.
What is the background of similar cases in Baltimore?
This case adds to a series of high-profile incidents in Baltimore, including the deaths of Freddie Gray in 2015 and Tyrone West in 2013, where no charges were filed against police officers involved.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | June 24, 2025 |
| Location | Intersection of West Franklin Street and North Franklintown Road, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Decedent | Dontae Melton, Jr., 31 years old |
| Cause of Death | Restraint, hyperthermia, and drug intoxication (ruled a homicide by autopsy) |
| Investigation Outcome | No charges filed against Baltimore police officers involved |
| Family’s Response | Condemnation of the decision; plans to pursue civil litigation |
| Related Cases | Freddie Gray (2015) and Tyrone West (2013) – no charges filed against police officers involved |
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