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Nicholas Browning indicted in slaying of parents, brothers
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In this courtroom sketch, Nicholas Waggoner Browning, 15, left, appears via video camera before Baltimore County District Judge Barbara R. Jung, right, during a bail hearing Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 in Towson, Md.
TOWSON – Nicholas W. Browning, the 16-year-old accused of slaughtering his family inside their Cockeysville home, was indicted Monday on four counts of first-degree murder.
The indictment also charges Browning with using a handgun in a crime of violence.
Browning is accused in the fatal shootings of his father, John Browning; his mother, Tamara; and his two younger brothers, 14-year-old Benjamin and 11-year-old Gregory.
The Brownings were slain early in the morning of Saturday, Feb. 2. According to police, Nicholas Browning then spent the night and most of the next day with friends before he returned and called 911 to report finding his father’s body.
He was charged in their slayings after confessing to police and telling investigators where he’d stashed the murder weapon, a handgun belonging to his father. Police have said Browning had disagreements with his father but otherwise have not spoken about possible motives.
No other indictments are expected in the case, prosecutors said in a news release. The indictment came just eight days after Browning’s arrest and two days after the memorial service for his parents and brothers.
“Based upon the nature of this case, we decided to move quickly to the next phase,” Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger said.
Shellenberger declined to discuss details of the case. Browning’s attorney, Joshua R. Treem, did not immediately respond to an e-mail request for comment.
