In late July 2025, a deceased baby deer was found with a rope tied around its neck and severe burn marks. Two teenagers, Ethan Patrick Cummins, 18, and Aiden Thomas Holman, 19, were charged with reckless endangerment, removal of deer hide and possession of game animal. Now, the criminal charges against both young men have been dropped.
Teens Cleared of Wrongdoing After Deer Burning Allegations in Maryland
On the morning of July 24, 2025, a young deer was found badly burned and with a rope around its neck. A glove, a piece of a charred box and a Wawa receipt were found nearby. According to the Baltimore County Police Department, the deer appeared to be dead before the incident occurred.
Increased police patrols and an investigation led to the arrest of Cummins and Holman, as well as three other teenagers, whose charges had not been disclosed because they’re minors. Following his client’s arrest, Tom Maronick spoke with WBAL-TV 11, stating, “Ethan Cummins is wrongly accused of a crime he did not commit. We expect the evidence will show that he had no role whatsoever in the desecration of a deceased animal. He deserves his day in court and we look forward to that.”
Now that both Cummins and Holman had their day in court, they are able to move forward with their lives.
The prosecution dropped the reckless endangerment charge in September and placed the other two citations (removal of deer hide and possession of game animal) on the Department of Natural Resources stet docket.
“Ethan Cummins was not convicted of any crime, nor did he have to even render a plea to any crime related to the incident [that] took place involving the burning of a dead deer,” Maronick told the Patch, following the outcome of the case. “Ethan deeply regrets the situation (without having a direct role in it) and to anyone who may have been affected by it.”
Holman was not represented by Maronick Law.
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Contact Maronick Law Today for Aggressive Criminal Defense Representation in Maryland
This case underscores the importance of hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer when you are facing charges of reckless endangerment in Maryland. Though it is classified as a misdemeanor in Maryland, conviction still carries significant penalties, including five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. These are life-altering penalties for teens just starting out in life.
If your teen was arrested and is facing criminal charges, don’t wait to contact Maronick Law for aggressive criminal defense representation. We know that it’s much more than your teen’s freedom at stake; it’s their future. Call us today at 443-351-6657 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients in Baltimore, Towson, Perry Hall, and throughout Maryland.
Protect your teen’s future with Maronick Law.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.