Family of Man with Autism Fatally Shot by Police Speaks Out

Alexander LaMorie, 25, was killed in a police shooting at his apartment complex in Howard County, Maryland.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The family of Alexander LaMorie, a 25-year-old man with autism who was fatally shot by Howard County police, is speaking out about the incident. LaMorie called 911 around midnight on Sunday, and when officers arrived, they encountered him with a knife and opened fire, killing him. LaMorie's family is calling for better police training to handle situations involving individuals with mental health issues or disabilities.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and concerns around police interactions with individuals who have mental health conditions or disabilities. The family's calls for improved training and protocols aim to prevent similar tragic outcomes in the future and ensure vulnerable community members receive appropriate care and support when in crisis.

The details

According to the family, LaMorie had autism and lived in the newly opened Patuxent Commons Apartment Complex, which is designed to address housing needs for those with disabilities. Police were called to the complex around midnight on Sunday for a report of a man threatening to harm himself. When officers encountered LaMorie, who was walking toward them with a knife, they ordered him to drop it, and when he refused, three officers fired their weapons, fatally shooting him.

  • The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating the shooting, and the body-worn camera footage is expected to be released within 20 days.

The players

Alexander LaMorie

A 25-year-old man with autism who was fatally shot by Howard County police after calling 911 for a wellness check.

Jill Harrington

LaMorie's mother, who expressed outrage and called for better police training to handle situations involving individuals with mental health issues or disabilities.

Ami Neiberger

A friend of the LaMorie family, who described Alexander as a kind, loving, and enthusiastic person who was dedicated to raising awareness about autism and grief.

Howard County Police Department

The police department that responded to the 911 call and was involved in the fatal shooting of LaMorie.

Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General

The agency investigating the police shooting of LaMorie.

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What they’re saying

“Every parent of a child with autism knows this is their worst nightmare. Alex was in crisis and called for help, and first responders must be better trained to prevent tragic outcomes instead of contributing to them.”

— Jill Harrington, LaMorie's mother (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“The event which occurred during the early morning of March 1, 2026, is very difficult for us, as a family, to understand. Nevertheless, everyone who knew and loved Alexander (Alex) LaMorie is deeply saddened and shocked by his death which occurred after he called for a 'wellness check.'”

— Ami Neiberger, Friend of the LaMorie family (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“He served as an advisory board member for a special project we recently completed, AustismandGrief.org, a website for adults with autism who have experienced loss, their family members, clinicians, and clergy. He participated in podcasts, interviews, and presentations about the website. We loved working with Alex.”

— President of the Hospice Foundation of America (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating the shooting, and the body-worn camera footage is expected to be released within 20 days.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for improved police training and protocols to effectively and safely handle situations involving individuals with mental health conditions or disabilities. The family's calls for change aim to prevent similar outcomes and ensure vulnerable community members receive the appropriate care and support they need during times of crisis.