In a tragic incident in Baltimore County, Mark Ryan, 41, has been charged with the murder of his father-in-law, Robert MacMeekin, a 74-year-old attorney from Timonium. Prosecutors allege that Ryan fatally shot MacMeekin shortly after the attorney assisted his daughter in obtaining a protective order against him.
During a court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Fuller detailed the events leading up to the shooting. He stated that Ryan expressed frustration about the court system, referring to it as 'dirty courts,' and indicated a desire to escape his circumstances.
The shooting occurred on May 2, just hours after MacMeekin helped his daughter Alexandra secure an interim protective order against Ryan. A hearing regarding the order was scheduled for the following Monday. According to Fuller, Ryan drove to MacMeekin's home in the Millgate community of Phoenix and shot him in the neck while his two young children, ages 2 and 5, were present.
At the hearing, Baltimore County Circuit Judge James Rhodes denied Ryan bail, citing concerns for public safety and the need to ensure his appearance at trial. Ryan is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and home invasion. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Ryan's attorney, Marshall Henslee, argued that his client was not a flight risk and posed no danger to the community. Henslee noted that Ryan was a Maryland native and had recently worked at Travelers. He contended that the incident was isolated and that Ryan did not intend to kill MacMeekin, claiming that emotions were heightened that day.
Ryan is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 17.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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