Criminal Investigation Division
Major Crimes Section
Recovered Human Remains Glen Burnie
On March 18, 2019 at approximately 5:30 a.m., the Anne Arundel County Fire Department received notification of a brush fire in the area of Sycamore Drive and Ritchie Highway South. Upon arrival they discovered an RV style vehicle completely engulfed in flames. Once they extinguished the fire they located male human remains. Homicide detectives, fire marshals, and a forensic investigator from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner all responded. As of this time the age, race and cause of death has yet to be determined. It is unknown if the death is criminal or accidental in nature.
There is no further information. Anyone with any information is asked to call the TipLine at 410-222-4700.
UPDATE:
Homicide detectives worked in conjunction with the Anne Arundel County Fire Marshal's Office in sifting through all of the evidence at the fire scene throughout the day. Several interviews were completed and information being obtained indicated the death of the unknown male was going to be a homicide. During the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 19, 2019 Homicide detectives began executing several search warrants. While detectives were executing a search warrant in the 5700 block of Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, Baltimore County, Maryland a person of interest of located. The person of interest was identified as Jason Butler Nichols, a thirty five year old male from the 300 block of Columbus Road, Glen Burnie, Maryland.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on the human remains. The victim was positively identified as Dennis Lee Perry Sr., a fifty seven year old male who had been living in the recreational vehicle at the location of the fire. The OCME ruled Mr. Perry’s cause of death as blunt force trauma with the manner being homicide.
Through interviews and evidence recovered at the scene the suspect, Jason Nichols, was charged with the First and Second Degree Murder and First and Second Degree Arson as related to the murder of Mr. Perry. Investigation revealed this was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence. Jason Nichols is currently incarcerated at the Anne Arundel County Jennifer Road Detention Facility on a no bond status.
Although an arrest has been made this is a very active and fluid investigation. Homicide detectives are asking anyone with information to come forward by calling the Anne Arundel County Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. If anyone with information wishes to remain anonymous, they can also contact the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers.
Arrested:
Jason Butler Nichols
No Booking Photo Available
DOB: 07/28/1983
300 block Columbus Road
Glen Burnie, MD 21060