RedactedNarrative: Initial Response
  
                  On Saturday September 3, 2022 at 1545 hours, I Officer First Class responded at the request of Lt. to Camp Pecometh, at the end of Booker’s Wharf Road, Centreville Maryland in reference to a fatal boating accident. I was advised that Cpl. would also be responding to assist with investigation. Upon my arrival I made contact with officers on scene, including Sgt. and Cpl., who were the first responders (see supplements).                 
  
  Upon my arrival, I observed officers, EMS, and good samaritans unloading a deceased subject in a body shroud on a backboard, from a vessel near the beach. The deceased subject was carried to shore and placed on the ground above the waterline. I spoke with Sgt. who advised that the deceased had been pronounced dead by Queen Annes EMS. Sgt. advised that the vessel from the incident was anchored in the river, gesturing to a vessel I observed opposite the beach, anchored in the Chester River south of Melton Point. I requested Cpl. and Cpl. to identify witnesses present. Due to the number of persons present on scene, I directed officers to have people leave the scene once witnesses were identified. I requested NRP dispatch contact the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, to have a Forensic Investigator respond to the scene. Queen Annes EMS cleared the scene, EMS run #22-00002621.
  
  Initial Interview with Operator
  
                  I met with the operator of the vessel, who was sitting on shore with his son. When I approached Operator and asked to speak with him, he stated “You want to talk with me about how I killed my wife” and began crying. After regaining composure, Operator identified the deceased as his wife.  Operator advised that he was operating the vessel, a 2000 Macgregor 26X, heading north on the Chester River near Camp Pecometh. Operator advised that he was under engine power, a 60 horsepower Evinrude BRP outboard, at the time of the incident. Operator stated that the vessel’s centerboard was up, and the water ballast tanks were drained. Operator estimated that he was travelling a 14 miles per hour. Operator stated that he had two hammocks hung in the rigging of the vessel, toward the bow.
  
                  Operator advised that Subject1 and Victim were laying in the hammocks. Operator stated that the vessel was “tippy” because of the weight, and he “lost control” and the vessel capsized. Operator stated that when the vessel capsized he, Subject1, and Victim, fell out of the boat into the water. Operator stated that as he fell away from the helm, he held on to the steering wheel, causing it to turn. Operator advised that he, Subject1, and Victim were not wearing PFDs, but they knew how to swim. Operator stated that he was not wearing the lanyard for the engine cut off switch.
  
                  Operator stated that he, Subject1, and Victim were swimming after capsizing but accounted for. Subject1 added that he recovered a throwable PFD that fell from the boat and was using it. Operator stated that the vessel remained in gear and was circling them in the water. Operator stated that he attempted to board the vessel from the water, but was unable to pull himself aboard. Operator advised that another boat arrived, and was calling out to them to swim away from their vessel. Operator stated that they all did begin to swim away, but as the vessel circled it came around and hit Victim.
  
                  Operator stated that after hitting Victim, the engine stopped. Operator advised that he could see Victim at the stern of the vessel. Operator stated that she did not scream or call out, but he knew something was wrong based off of her facial expression. Operator advised that he swam to her, and found her to be tangled in the propeller unresponsive. Operator advised that he attempted to keep her head above water. Operator stated several other people arrived, including a police officer and entered into the water. Operator stated they were attempting to free Victim from the propeller, and after a couple minutes were successful. Operator advised that he provided breathes to Victim as she was being cut free.
  
                  Operator stated that after being cut loose, Victim was pulled aboard a boat and driven to shore. Operator advised that he and Subject1 were brought in by separate boats, so upon arrival to shore he went to find Subject1. Operator advised that he was not aware how his vessel became anchored. Operator continued that upon finding Subject1 they sat on shore as first responders attempted to save Victim. Subject1 was present and confirmed Operator’s telling of events. Operator was offered the services of a Chaplain, and he and Subject1 were transported to Castle Marina at 301 Tackle Circle, Chester Maryland to meet with him by Capt..
  
  Vessel Inspection
  
                  Ofc. and Sgt. relayed me to Operator’s vessel, which was located at N39°08.083’ W76°04.741’. I photographed the vessel upon approach, including the registration (MD 563DE) and HIN (MACX3711D3000). The motor was trimmed up out of the water. I boarded the vessel. I observed the contents of the boat strewn about the cockpit and cabin. The key was removed from the ignition and hanging by the lanyard for the engine cut off switch. The centerboard was cleated up. The shifter was in neutral. I observed the hammocks in the rigging. The hammocks were hung from the forestay, tied around the furled headsail, back to the left and right shrouds respectively. The hammocks were tied off approximately 5 feet above the deck. I observed no significant damage to the vessel. The vessel was later towed by field units to Castle Marina.
  
  Forensic Investigation
  
                  The weather conditions were checked on scene. The weather was clear, air temperature was 86°, water temperature 81°, wind was from the west at less than 10 miles per hour, the sea state was calm, and the tide was high. Cpl. and Forensic Investigator arrived on scene. FI removed the shroud covering Victim and inspected the body, which I photographed.
                  I observed a large avulsion to Victim’s right inner thigh, evisceration of her lower abdomen and pelvic area, a laceration on her stomach, and numerous abrasions on her torso, shoulders, and left thigh. Victim’s remaining clothing was torn, tightly wound up and knotted around her right shoulder. FI took possession of Victim’s body and transported her to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore for autopsy, OCME case#22-11360. At Operator’s request I took possession of Victim’s personal effects: 4 rings and a necklace. All other units left the scene. I transported the jewelry to Castle Marina and transferred them to Operator.
              All did happen in Kent and Queen Anne's Counties, Maryland. Case open pending further investigation.
  