Man indicted in two slayings

In a separate indictment, Kenneth Wayne Sledd, 19, of Columbia, was charged with helping Richardson, 23, avoid arrest by driving him to a safe house after Allen’s death and buying Richardson a bottle of bleach with which to wash his clothes with.

Sledd said Richardson, also of Columbia, came to him May 21 — the same day police found Allen’s body — and told him he had “merked,” or murdered, someone, according to charging documents.

He told police he drove Richardson to a Columbia apartment, where Richardson stayed as police descended on the Running Brook neighborhood where Allen was found.

Sledd, Richardson and Richardson’s brother, William, 22, were arrested in a traffic stop on Route 29 on May 22. Police found a bleach-soaked shirt in the car Sledd was driving.

Richardson is also charged with the April death of Zhilina, who was fatally shot while working a night shift at a 7-Eleven convenience store on Columbia Road. Police, acting on a tip, recovered a handgun they believe was used in both shootings shortly after Richardson’s arrest, according to Howard County prosecutors.

If convicted, Richardson could face the death penalty in Zhilina’s death, Howard County State’s Attorney Tim McCone told a gathering of Columbia residents last week.

In that case, Richardson is charged with attempted armed robbery, first-degree assault, use of a handgun in a felony and violent crime and wearing, carrying or transporting a handgun on his person.

In Allen’s death, Richardson is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault and use of a handgun in a felony or violent crime.

Richardson is being held without bond in Howard County Detention Center. His attorney, John Giannetti Jr., has said Richardson intends to plead not guilty to all charges.

Sledd was released on $10,000 bail, said T. Wayne Kirwan of the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office.

jpalazzolo@baltimoreexaminer.com