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Homicide victim was family man, boxer

Police, family seek answers in Bowman Court killing

By LISA BEISEL, Staff Writer

Published 01/08/09

The first homicide victim of the year in Annapolis was a longtime city resident and boxer who was devoted to his family and loved sports, family members said.

Courtesy photo
Annapolis resident Steve Lamorse Garrett

Family members are looking for answers today about what happened leading up to the shooting death of 39-year-old Steve Lamorse Garrett on Tuesday night.

Police were called to Bowman Drive in Annapolis at about 9 p.m. for the report of a car accident and found Mr. Garrett in a car suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

So far, police have not released any information about a suspect or motive and are seeking the public's help providing any information.

They're not the only ones who are curious.

Renee Coates, his older sister, said she hopes someone comes forward with information.

"Please just tell us whatever you know. Any information you can tell us about my brother's death is fine with me," she said.

Yesterday afternoon, family gathered at her home on Bowman Court. Mr. Garrett grew up there and still had family and friends in the neighborhood. He was visiting friends there Tuesday night when the shooting happened, family members said.

"He was well-known in the neighborhood," Ms. Coates said.

Mr. Garrett was splitting his time between a home in North Carolina and Annapolis, where he stayed with his mother on Copeland Street. He was a truck driver for about 20 years.

"He just loved driving trucks," Ms. Coates said.

She described him as a good person, very fun to be around. He was dedicated to his only child, Steve L. Garrett Jr., 19, and was a good uncle, she said.

He loved boxing, and was a fixture in the club boxing scene around the state up until last year. In 2005, Mr. Garrett took on a then-undefeated fighter in a match at Martin's West in Woodlawn. He lost in a 4-round decision. He also competed in Clarence "Du" Burns Arena in southeastern Baltimore in 2007.

Mr. Garrett also loved football, especially the New York Giants, and enjoyed camping and fishing with family.

Ms. Coates said she wasn't home at the time of the shooting. Her daughter, Shantia Day, was home but did not hear anything. She got a call from her grandmother who told her what happened. The next thing she knew, police officers were at the door.

"My heart just dropped when I saw the police," Ms. Day said.

Mr. Garrett was the youngest sibling in the family and they had been talking about planning a surprise party for his birthday in May, Ms. Day said.

His cousin, Andre Turnage, of Ferndale, recalled times when he and Mr. Garrett would go fishing or crabbing, or would watch football games together.

He said he's heard the homicide was fueled by robbery.

"They knew he was a good dude, he had a little change in his pocket, and they wanted it," Mr. Turnage said.

Police this morning could not say if they were pursuing robbery as a possible motive, citing the open and active investigation.

Family members said they did not know of any enemies Mr. Garrett may have had.

"He didn't bother a flea," said Andrea Tongue, a family friend.

They have heard rumors about what happened, including the one about robbery, but right now, they don't know what to believe, Ms. Tongue said.

"That's the hard part," Ms. Coates chimed in.

Ms. Tongue said she believes someone in the neighborhood must have seen what happened, but that in public housing, "people are afraid to come forward" because they fear retaliation.

Yesterday afternoon, three marked police cars were parked in the neighborhood and two officers were on foot patrol. Remnants of yellow crime scene tape poked out of a nearby trash can.

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this is my father - 2009-01-12 14:00:59

hi my name is dontavius and steve is my step dad i would like to have some info so plz call me at 4106601310 4102584794 plz

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tae jackson - baltimore, MD - Karma: Bad

Mr. Steven Garrett - 2009-01-10 15:03:39

May GOD continue to Bless the family and friends of Mr. Steven Garrett. Continue to have Faith in our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. We ask that you come together as a family, take this time to reflect on all of the memories that you shared with Steven. Use these memories as a tool from the LORD, to assist one another in understanding the transition that has just taken place. We ask that you hold onto these memories and you share them with Steven's son Steve Jr. And in time Steve Jr. will share them with his children. Think of this not as good bye to Steven, but as "See you Later" for he is at rest in the arms of the our LORD. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Samantha and Chad Hall

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samantha hall - annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

I cant believe - 2009-01-10 01:54:51

I am a 19 year old relative if Stevie. Steven Lamorse Garrett was my cousin. I can not believe this has happend to him, but in my family. Out of all the people in my family we would have never thought this would happen to him. He never messed with anyone. My family and I ask that if anyone has any information please contact the police or Detective Carson. We will not be able to rest until Justice is Served to all those involved

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kasey chandler - Glen Burnie, MD - Karma: Bad

I'm sorry - 2009-01-09 04:23:05

My sincerest sympathies to Mr. Garrett's family. It hurts my heart to read about another murder in the city. God Bless you all and please pray for an end to this senseless violence.

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bernadette a. - annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad