Police Chief Won't Face Charges in Fatal Shooting of Man Armed with Knives

Attorney General declines to prosecute Cheverly police chief in 2025 incident

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Maryland Attorney General's Office has decided not to file charges against Cheverly Police Chief David Morris in the September 2025 fatal shooting of Tesfa Leith, a 45-year-old man who was armed with knives. The incident occurred when officers responded to a call about a vehicle connected to two earlier assaults in the area.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and often controversial issue of police use of force, particularly when dealing with individuals who may be experiencing mental health crises or other extenuating circumstances. The Attorney General's decision not to charge the police chief raises questions about accountability and the appropriate use of lethal force by law enforcement.

The details

According to the investigation, on September 30, 2025, Cheverly police officers were called to the 6600 block of Greenland Street in Riverdale to look for a vehicle connected to two separate assaults that had happened earlier that day in Hyattsville and Cheverly. While waiting for backup from the Prince George's Police Department, officers saw Tesfa Leith, 45, who they believed was armed and chasing someone away from the home. When Leith went into the home and then came back out holding two knives, he approached the officers despite their orders to drop the weapons. A PGPD officer deployed a taser, but it was ineffective. As Leith moved toward Police Chief Morris, the chief backed away and fired his gun, fatally striking Leith.

  • On September 30, 2025, around 4:45 p.m., Cheverly police officers were called to the 6600 block of Greenland Street in Riverdale.
  • The Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division began investigating the fatal police-involved shooting on September 30, 2025.
  • The Office of the Attorney General completed its investigation and issued its declination report on March 3, 2026.

The players

Anthony G. Brown

The Attorney General of Maryland who declined to file charges against Police Chief David Morris.

David Morris

The Cheverly Police Chief who fatally shot Tesfa Leith during the September 2025 incident.

Tesfa Leith

A 45-year-old man who was armed with knives and approached officers, leading to his fatal shooting by Police Chief Morris.

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What they’re saying

“After completing its investigation and evaluating all the available evidence, the Office of the Attorney General has determined that Morris did not commit a crime under Maryland law. Accordingly, the Attorney General has declined to prosecute the subject officer in this case.”

— Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General (Patch)

What’s next

The Attorney General's Office has released a detailed investigative report on the incident, which is available to the public.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding police use of force, particularly when dealing with individuals in crisis. While the Attorney General's decision not to charge the police chief may be legally justified, it is likely to continue fueling debates about accountability and the appropriate use of lethal force by law enforcement.