Maryland – In a tragic domestic incident in Maryland, a 34‑year‑old man, identified as R. Dickerson, has been charged with murder after stabbing his 44-year-old fiancée, identified as S. Broadwater, to death inside her home. Dickerson faces first‑ and second‑degree murder, assault, and home invasion charges after authorities say he fatally stabbed Broadwater multiple times at her apartment. Prosecutors allege the stabbing was intentional, targeting someone he had recently become engaged to.
The violence unfolded on September 18 at the victim’s home. At about 5:00 a.m., Dickerson reportedly showed up at Broadwater’s apartment and started banging on her door. When there was no answer, he left—but allegedly returned later and stabbed her to death. Police have said there were “no signs of forced entry”, indicating Broadwater likely opened the door or allowed him access. A relative discovered her body and called 911. Officers arrived around 3:06 p.m. and found Broadwater suffering multiple stab wounds, pronouncing her dead at the scene.
Detectives believe the murder was not random. They’ve said Dickerson was known to the victim and that he and Broadwater had recently agreed to tie the knot. The motive remains unclear—investigators have not yet determined whether this was premeditated or the result of a sudden escalation. As police spokesman S. Hoffman put it, “This looks like a really sad domestic incident. We’re not certain what the motive is at this point, whether it was something ongoing or something that happened in the spur of the moment.”
After finding Broadwater’s body, law enforcement received a call about a suspicious person at a nearby Walmart. That person turned out to be Dickerson, who was taken into custody shortly afterward. He is currently being held at the county jail without bond. The criminal complaint states Dickerson returned to the apartment after the first knock at 5:00 a.m., carried out the stabbing, and then fled. There were no forced‑entry marks; the authorities believe Broadwater allowed him in. Detectives have also learned through interviews that Broadwater had said “yes” to marriage with Dickerson.
The investigation remains open and police are seeking any video surveillance or witnesses who might offer more detail about what happened in the hours before or after the stabbing. As of now, Dickerson is formally charged with first‑degree murder, second‑degree murder, assault, and home invasion. He remains in jail without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for October 22.
There has been no sentencing yet—because the legal process is just beginning. Prosecutors must determine whether first‑degree murder charges will be upheld (which would involve proving premeditation) or if lesser degrees may be considered, depending on what evidence is confirmed. Broadwater’s death has sent waves through the community, both for its brutality and for how close she was to the man accused of killing her. A woman who had said “yes” to his proposal, someone who had allowed him into her home, is now gone after a violent act that leaves family, friends, and neighbors asking how things escalated so rapidly. With Dickerson behind bars and charges filed, many await further court proceedings to bring more answers—and to see that the charges match the depth of the loss.
