Porch death ruled murder as Baltimore teens charged in 2024 killing

A Baltimore death once thought to be an overdose is now a murder case with two teens behind bars.
Porch death ruled murder as Baltimore teens charged in 2024 killing
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BALTIMORE, Md. — What was first reported as a possible overdose has led to murder charges more than a year later, after investigators determined a 55-year-old man found dead on a porch in West Baltimore had been fatally shot.


Key Points

  • 18-year-old Noah Diggs and a 17-year-old female charged with first-degree murder
  • Victim Melvin White was found dead on Feb. 3, 2024, initially believed to be an overdose
  • Autopsy revealed gunshot wound, leading to homicide investigation

Autopsy revealed fatal gunshot wound

On February 3, 2024, emergency responders were dispatched to the 3000 block of Edmondson Avenue following a report of a possible overdose. Officers found Melvin White, 55, unresponsive on a front porch and pronounced him dead at the scene.

The next day, the Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy and discovered White had been shot, officially ruling the case a homicide. Investigators with the Western District took over the case.


Suspects in custody more than a year later

On April 3, 2025, members of the Warrant Apprehension Task Force arrested a 17-year-old female suspect without incident. She was transported to Central Booking and charged with first-degree murder. That same day, 18-year-old Noah Diggs — already incarcerated on unrelated charges — was also charged with first-degree murder in connection to White’s death.

Both suspects are currently being held without bail.