Maryland Lawmakers Approve Commission to Investigate Cheltenham Youth Facility Deaths

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Maryland lawmakers in Annapolis have quickly passed companion bills in the Senate and House to create a state-led commission that will investigate the deaths and unmarked graves of Black boys at the former Cheltenham youth campus in Prince George's County. The commission, to be led by the state Attorney General's office, will conduct forensic, genealogical, and archival work to identify those who died, reach their descendants, and recommend policy changes.

Why it matters

For decades, the grim history of deaths and burials at the Cheltenham facility was largely overlooked. This commission represents a long-overdue effort to confront this painful chapter, provide accountability and recognition for descendants, and ensure reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

The legislation, which passed with near-unanimous support, will authorize the Attorney General's office to contract experts to carry out forensic anthropology, archaeological surveys, exhumations, and genealogical DNA analysis to identify the victims and connect them with their families. The commission will also have access to sealed juvenile and medical records to aid the investigation.

• In early March, the Maryland Senate passed Senate Bill 776 on a 45-0 vote.
• In the Maryland House, a companion bill introduced by Del. Jeffrie E. Long Jr. passed 129-1.
• If signed into law, the commission would be required to deliver an initial report by December 31, 2027, and a final report by December 31, 2029.

What’s next

The Attorney General's office has said it has already started preliminary work and expects to hold an organizational meeting this fall, with substantive investigation to follow.