Victim: Maryland builder’s representative Steve Wilson, 33, was shot and killed during a robbery on Wednesday
Police on Friday arrested a Maryland teenager accused of shooting to death a builder’s representative working inside a model home during a robbery.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department identified the suspect in the slaying of 33-year-old Steven Wilson as Dillon Nicholas Augustyniak, 18, of Jessup.
Augustyniak was captured just before 1am on Ramsey Street in Baltimore and charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, theft and firearm use in a felony crime of violence.
Investigators allege he fatally shot Wilson in the model home where he was working shortly after 5pm on Wednesday in the 2100 block of Newmanstown Drive in Hanover.
The married father of two young children, who lived in Annapolis with his family an worked as a sales and marketing representative for builder Ryan Homes, was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics.
Wilson was working out of this model home in Hanover, Maryland, when police say Dillon Nicholas Augustyniak, 18, walked in and shot him
Police Chief Timothy Altomare said robbery was the motive. In charging documents, police allege Augustyniak stole Wilson’s phone and laptop, and investigators believe he tried to sell the gun he used in the killing.
Altomare portrayed the robbery and slaying as impulse meeting opportunity on the part of a violent criminal.
‘While I won’t say that real estate agents shouldn’t be vigilant and concerned, as I think everyone should for their safety, we have no indication that there’s a particular threat to the industry at this time,’ the county police chief told reporters Friday.
The Capital Gazette in Annapolis reported that police wrote in charging documents that someone ‘was breathing heavily and sounded to be in distress’ during the 911 call that alerted them to the model home where Wilson was found.
As the dispatcher tried to figure out what was going on, another voice in the background could be heard saying: ‘Where is the money’ and ‘Who are you talking to?’
An unnamed source told the station WJZ that had approached the model home from the nearby woods and then fled back into the woods after allegedly killing Wilson and stealing his valuables.
Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves behind his wife of four years, Jessica, and their two young daughters (right)
Wilson’s family described him as a loving, husband, father, son, brother and friend. Pictured: Steve poses with his parents and siblings during a Christmas celebration
Altomare said investigators were able to make an arrest some 31 hours after Wilson’s battered body was found thanks to surveillance video and tips from multiple people in the community.
When officers searched Augustyniak’s home, they reportedly discovered a gun consistent with the murder weapon.
Wilson’s family has described him in a GoFundMe campaign as a ‘loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.’
The fundraiser has drawn more than $27,000 in donations, which the organized said would go towards the school expenses of Wilson’s two daughters.
According to her Facebook page, Wilson’s widow works as a fitness instructor. The couple got married in 2014.
Following Augustyniak’s capture, the victim’s family released a statement thanking police for working around the clock to make the arrest.
‘The outpouring of love and support from friends and total strangers has been overwhelming,’ the statement read. ‘Hundreds of people who knew Steve have offered comfort and solace during this difficult time.’