Family Demands Justice After Man's Deadly Confrontation with Police

The family of 56-year-old Samuel Brown speaks out following his death after a confrontation with a Baltimore County police officer.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The family of 56-year-old Samuel Brown is speaking out after the Maryland attorney general released body-worn camera footage showing a deadly confrontation between Brown and a Baltimore County police officer. Brown died weeks after the incident, which occurred during a wellness check on February 16. The family's attorney called the officer's actions a 'brutal and vicious attack' and is demanding the officer be fired, prosecuted, and sued.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, especially against Black individuals, and the need for greater accountability and transparency when these types of confrontations occur. The family's calls for justice reflect broader societal debates around policing practices and reforms.

The details

According to the police report, officers were called for a wellness check after someone was reported sleeping in a car. When Brown exited his vehicle, he became confrontational with Officer Derek Hadel. The body-cam footage shows Hadel punching Brown, causing him to fall to the ground. Brown died weeks later from injuries sustained during the encounter.

  • The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on February 16, 2026.
  • Brown died from his injuries on March 6, 2026.

The players

Samuel Brown

A 56-year-old man who died following a confrontation with a Baltimore County police officer.

Derek Hadel

The Baltimore County police officer involved in the confrontation with Samuel Brown.

Billy Murphy

The attorney representing the Brown family.

Deja Brown

Samuel Brown's daughter.

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What they’re saying

“Yet again another Black man in his prime is killed by the police without any excuse or justification. Justice requires that Officer Hadel be fired, prosecuted and sued”

— Billy Murphy, Attorney for the Brown family

“It's wrong, it's devastating to all of us. He was loving, he was caring, he was whatever we needed him to be whenever we needed him to be it. My family just prays that justice be served.”

— Deja Brown, Samuel Brown's daughter

What’s next

The Maryland attorney general's office is investigating the incident, and the family is calling for Officer Hadel to be fired, prosecuted, and sued.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing need for police reform, greater accountability, and improved de-escalation training to prevent unnecessary use of force, especially against Black individuals. The family's calls for justice reflect the broader societal reckoning around policing practices and the urgent need for change.