Howard County Police Release Bodycam Video of Fatal Shooting

Footage shows officers confronting a man with autism who was holding a knife before opening fire.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single police body camera lens, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of the incident.The release of bodycam footage from a fatal police shooting in Howard County, Maryland exposes the difficult decisions officers face when confronting individuals in mental health crises.Columbia Today

The Maryland Attorney General's Office's Independent Investigations Division has released body-worn camera footage showing the moments leading up to Howard County police officers fatally shooting a 25-year-old man with autism outside his Columbia apartment building on March 1. The video depicts officers searching for the man, Alex Lamorie, and then confronting him outside the building, where he was holding a knife and refused to drop it before being shot.

Why it matters

The release of the bodycam footage is part of an ongoing investigation into the incident, which has raised questions about police training and tactics when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in these types of situations and the need for improved crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.

The details

The video shows officers entering Lamorie's apartment after he called 911 to report being the victim of an online extortion scheme. After leaving the apartment, the officers search for Lamorie throughout the building with their guns drawn. They then encounter him outside, where other officers are already engaged with him. The officers can be heard repeatedly ordering Lamorie to drop the knife he is holding, with one officer saying 'It's really not this bad. Listen, I've had this call a dozen times.' Lamorie is heard responding, 'I don't care. I don't want to live anymore. I want to be free of my pain. Go ahead.' The officers continue to retreat backwards as Lamorie approaches them, and they ultimately open fire, striking and killing him.

  • On March 1, the incident occurred outside Lamorie's Columbia apartment building.
  • On March 12, county and police officials provided an initial update on the case.
  • On March 30, 2026, the Maryland Attorney General's Office released the bodycam footage.

The players

Alex Lamorie

A 25-year-old man with autism who was fatally shot by Howard County police officers outside his Columbia apartment building.

Officer Cody Bostic

One of the Howard County police officers involved in the confrontation with Lamorie.

Officer Joel Rodriguez

One of the Howard County police officers involved in the confrontation with Lamorie.

Officer Joseph Riebau

One of the Howard County police officers involved in the confrontation with Lamorie, who can be heard on the bodycam footage attempting to de-escalate the situation.

Maryland Attorney General's Office's Independent Investigations Division

The state agency that investigated the incident and released the bodycam footage.

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What they’re saying

“Can you please drop the knife so we can talk about this? It's really not this bad. Listen, I've had this call a dozen times.”

— Officer Joseph Riebau, Howard County Police Officer

“I don't care. I don't want to live anymore. I want to be free of my pain. Go ahead.”

— Alex Lamorie

“Nobody wants to hurt you, nobody wants to hurt you. We don't want anything bad. It can get better.”

— Officer Joseph Riebau, Howard County Police Officer

“Stop, please don't make me do this. Please don't make me do this. Drop the (expletive) knife.”

— Officer Joseph Riebau, Howard County Police Officer

“We're getting cornered.”

— Howard County Police Officer

What’s next

State investigators are now examining how the situation escalated, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Independent Investigations Division.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when responding to mental health crises, and the need for improved crisis intervention and de-escalation training to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future.