Estranged Husband Fatally Stabs Wife In Ellicott City Home

Police say the suspect turned himself in the same day.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A 53-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder and protective order violation after allegedly stabbing his 47-year-old estranged wife at a home in Ellicott City, Maryland. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the suspect turned himself in to police the same day.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents like this highlight the need for stronger protections and support systems for victims of abuse, as well as better enforcement of restraining orders. This tragedy also raises questions about mental health resources and intervention for perpetrators.

The details

According to police, officers responded around 8:15 a.m. on Sunday to a report that Alexander Stephenson had stabbed his estranged wife, Amethyst Stephenson, at a home in the 3400 block of Hunstmans Run in Ellicott City. Amethyst Stephenson was pronounced dead at the scene. Alexander Stephenson, who did not live at the home, later turned himself in at the Howard County police station in Ellicott City.

  • The incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Alexander Stephenson turned himself in to police the same day.

The players

Alexander Stephenson

A 53-year-old man who is charged with first-degree murder and protective order violation for allegedly stabbing his estranged wife.

Amethyst Stephenson

A 47-year-old woman who was fatally stabbed by her estranged husband at a home in Ellicott City.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if Alexander Stephenson will be granted bail at a hearing on Wednesday.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for stronger domestic violence prevention measures, including better enforcement of protective orders and increased access to mental health resources for perpetrators, to help stop these senseless acts of violence.