Bel Air, Maryland – The man accused of shooting and killing a transgender woman outside her Harford County apartment complex now faces more severe charges and will be held without bail, according to court records. Brian Delen, 47, has been charged with first-degree murder in addition to second-degree murder, assault, and firearms-related charges in the alleged killing of 57-year-old Meghan Riley Lewis.
Initially, Delen was released on GPS monitoring after a bail hearing, sparking outrage. However, according to a court record dated January 31, Delen will now be held without bond. Meghan Lewis’ friends, neighbors, and advocates express satisfaction with the ruling, but still question why it didn’t happen sooner.
Lewis was shot and killed in the parking lot of her Bel Air apartment complex on December 27 by Delen, who misgendered her and called her “sir” as he delivered food, according to charging documents. As Delen began to drive off, Lewis allegedly followed on foot, leading to an altercation where Delen shot Lewis.
Delen called 911 after the shooting and rendered aid using his own first aid kit, according to his public defender, who stated that he had a “strong self-defense argument.” Despite this, Lewis was unarmed at the time.
The LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Baltimore Safe Haven, organized rallies outside Harford County District Court to protest Delen’s release, emphasizing the need for justice in the handling of the case.
Prosecutors are also considering the possibility of hate crime charges, as they work with investigators to conduct a thorough examination of all evidence and determine what additional charges are appropriate.
Friends of Lewis expressed shock and horror at her killing, describing her as someone who always put other people first. She was known for founding a patient support group for transgender individuals and providing support to anyone in need.
The updated charges and decision to hold Delen without bond represent a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the tragic killing of Meghan Riley Lewis, a beloved member of the LGBTQ+ community.