Jaward Hannah death: Tavon Smith charged in killing of 81-year-old described as a 'pillar' of his Baltimore County community

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Tavon Smith, 34, has been arrested in connection to the November 2023 murder of Jaward Hannah, 81. 

Smith has been charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime, and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction. 

Aaron Barnett, the president of the community association described the victim, Hannah, as a "pillar in the community," according to CBS News.

Additional details about the death have been disclosed in statements from Baltimore police, and some family members have also expressed their sorrow over Hannah's death.

Tavon Smith's wife told police about his possible involvement in Jaward Hannah's murder

According to WMAR2news, Hannah was discovered dead in the garage of his longtime home on the morning of November 10, 2023. Baltimore County police responded to a call in the 3400 block of Kelox Road, finding the 81-year-old handcuffed and lying in a pool of blood.

Reports indicate that Hannah had been shot in the head, with his wallet missing and pants pockets rifled through. As part of the investigation, detectives interviewed a woman residing with the man, who claimed that he was last seen heading to work the previous afternoon.

The woman reported hearing a loud noise later that night but did not initially raise any concerns. However, she did mention to the police that her husband, Smith, was likely responsible. 

DNA found on a pocket of Hannah's pants matched Smith's, leading to his arrest from his Baltimore City residence on November 15. A search warrant for his iPhone revealed a picture of a .22 caliber handgun, matching the type of projectile found at the murder scene.

Another photo depicted Smith wearing a police vest. Investigators spoke to an informant who recalled the 34-year-old expressing intentions to kill his wife's friend because he "messed up their relationship." The witness stated that Smith possessed a gun, handcuffs, and a police badge.

Police noted that Smith, as a previously convicted felon, is prohibited from owning a firearm. During an interview with detectives, he reportedly admitted to being at Hannah's home on the day of the murder but denied any involvement in his death.

Presently, he is held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center. 

What did the neighbors say about Jaward Hannah?

As reported by CBS News, a neighbor and close friend, who requested not to be identified, shared with WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren, stating, "I was real upset. I cried like a baby because he was a real good friend of mine and I'm going to miss him."

He added, "I'm going to miss Jay. The rest of my life I'm going to miss Jay, Jay was a real nice person. I loved Jay. I'm getting kind of upset now, so I'm going to go on and let it be. Ain't nothing you can do about it but just try to find out who done this."

Moreover, he mentioned that Hannah had previously worked at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Reportedly, the 81-year-old was extremely fond of his old Pontiac, which remains parked outside his home with custom plates bearing his last name. 

The neighbor further noted, "I spoke to him the day he got murdered, I said, 'How are you doing man?' He said, 'I'm doing alright,' because he was building that so he could park his car underneath of there—not knowing that was his last project that he would ever do in his life." 

One woman claimed, "He was a very kind gentleman and very helpful, a hard worker. We're very shocked because this doesn't happen in this community"