Assault Victim From Burglary Dies a Month Later

Neighbors concerned police have not shared information about the case

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 51-year-old man named Christopher Stafford was found unresponsive and suffering from upper body trauma inside his Dundalk, Maryland townhouse on January 13 after a reported burglary. Stafford died from his injuries a month later, leaving neighbors concerned that police have not shared information on whether the crime was random or targeted, while the perpetrator or perpetrators remain at large.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Dundalk community, raising concerns about public safety and the need for more information from law enforcement to help residents feel secure in their own homes. The lack of updates from police has left some neighbors, especially those with young children, feeling anxious about a potential ongoing threat.

The details

According to neighbor Jim Coffey, a large police presence responded to the reported burglary, suggesting it was a serious incident. Coffey said the perpetrators kicked in Stafford's back door, beat him, and took items including an electric bike, a shotgun, and a handgun. Neighbors described Stafford as a quiet man who kept to himself and did not cause any trouble.

  • On January 13, police responded to a report of a burglary at Stafford's townhouse in Dundalk.
  • Stafford was found unresponsive inside his home, suffering from upper body trauma.
  • Stafford died from his injuries a month later, in mid-February 2026.

The players

Christopher Stafford

A 51-year-old Dundalk resident who was the victim of a burglary that left him with fatal injuries.

Jim Coffey

A neighbor of Stafford's who provided details about the police response and the suspected burglary.

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What they’re saying

“This whole block was blocked off. There was a bunch of police out here. It looked like the whole police station was out here. Every cop in Dundalk was here.”

— Jim Coffey, Neighbor (wmar2news.com)

“I've got children. I feel like they should be out here investigating it. I've got a seven-year-old.”

— Unnamed neighbor (wmar2news.com)

What’s next

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has left the Dundalk community shaken and concerned about public safety, highlighting the need for more transparency and information from law enforcement to help residents feel secure in their own neighborhoods.