Backpack near crime scene led police to triple homicide, arson suspect in Aberdeen

BALTIMORE -- A 35-year-old man has been charged in a triple homicide and arson investigation in Aberdeen after a backpack connected him to the crime scene.

Michael Swann faces multiple counts of first and second-degree murder, arson, reckless endangerment, and other related charges.

Three adults -- 54-year-old john Claytor, 45-year-old Melissa Williams and 48-year-old Talaya Wiley -- were found shot to death on  April 15 at the Highland Commons apartment complex, which police say was intentionally set on fire.

"I'm saddened by their lives being taken and I do feel bad for their family because they suffered a major loss," Aberdeen resident Myrna Pitts said.

Charging documents obtained by WJZ reveal police found the victims shot in the head inside the home and gasoline was believed to have been used to start the fire.

"From the moment that this event occurred, we had detectives working tirelessly around the clock," Aberdeen Police Capt. Will Reiber said.

Detectives wrote that surveillance video allegedly showed a suspect outside the apartment before and after the fire and that a backpack was found near the scene that contained items linking Swann to the crime.

Swan had an outstanding warrant from Prince George's County for shooting a woman in February, according to police.  He also had outstanding federal warrants for parole violations.

"Investigators learned that Swann had an outstanding warrant from Prince George's County for shooting a woman in February 2024," Aberdeen Police Chief Henry Trabert said.

Officers tracked Swann down at a home on Pritchard Avenue in Aberdeen on April 23 and arrested him after a brief standoff.

"I know the arrest of Swann did not replace the void left by those who lost lives during this incident but i hope his arrest brings some comfort to the families who are still grieving their loss," Trabert said.

Police are not releasing a motive or how or if the suspect and victims knew each other.

The mother of one of the victims spoke about the arrest.

"Through all the heartache and nightmare that this was, the Aberdeen Police force supported me and told me everything I needed to know the whole way through this case," Melissa Williams said.

Swann is being held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center.

Homicides are rare in Aberdeen.

Detectives told WJZ they went seven years, between 2015 and 2022, without a single murder in the city.