PRINCESS ANNE, MD—Maryland State Police have apprehended two men, Lascelles David Beckford and Dante Jamar Stone, on charges of attempted first-degree murder and arson after they allegedly set a house on fire with two people inside. The incident took place on the Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, with additional charges including burglary, reckless endangerment, and malicious destruction of property brought against the duo.
The arrests occurred yesterday following a report to the Princess Anne Barrack at approximately 3:45 PM on August 13, 2024. The report detailed an attempted illegal entry and subsequent arson at a residence in the 12,000 block of Independence Court. Investigators say Beckford and Stone used gasoline to ignite the rear of the house and obstructed the front exit with a mattress to hinder escape.
Troopers, who were patrolling the area shortly after the incident, identified two individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions. Beckford attempted to flee upon being approached but was quickly detained after a brief chase, during which a 14-inch machete was confiscated from his possession. Stone was located and arrested without resistance in the vicinity soon after.
Both suspects are currently being held without bond at the Somerset County Detention Center. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as the occupants managed to evade harm. The ongoing investigation suggests that Beckford and Stone were familiar with the residents of the targeted home, hinting at a possible motive linked to personal grievances.
