Arson double murder still unsolved in baltimore county
courtesy of baltimore pd

Arson double murder still unsolved in Baltimore County

by
May 27, 2025
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ESSEX, MD — More than 30 years after a deadly apartment fire killed a mother and her young daughter, authorities are still searching for answers in the case, which investigators have classified as a double homicide.

On May 24, 1992, 30-year-old Mary Lee Gericke and her 8-year-old daughter, Victoria Gericke, died of smoke inhalation after a fire tore through their apartment on the 1400 block of Hadwick Drive in Essex.

The blaze, which escalated to a three-alarm response, began in the hallway of the apartment building. Fire officials later determined it had been intentionally set. Damages to the structure exceeded $500,000.

Despite the decades that have passed, the Baltimore County Police Department continues to investigate the arson. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward, and a reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for tips that help move the case forward.

Police seek new leads in 1992 arson that claimed two lives

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Baltimore County Police Department at 410-887-3943.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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