Charges Filed Against Two Suspects in Businessman’s Death

Two 18-year-olds are facing several charges following their alleged involvement in the violent death of a businessman in central Maryland last month.

The Anne Arundel County Police announced the arrests of Jonah Michael Poole from Davidsonville and Kylie Alyssa Dake from Harwood. Their apprehension comes amid increasing murder rates in the area. Authorities indicated that these arrests capped off an intensive week-long investigation into the vehicle fire on May 24 that resulted in the death of 67-year-old Edward Stephen Koza from Annapolis.

Emergency services discovered Koza’s body in a vehicle after a fire erupted in a parking lot at around 9:25 PM, interpreting the circumstances as suspicious.

The state’s medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. Police arrested Poole and Dake on May 31, charging them with multiple counts, including first and second degree murder, multiple counts of assault, and arson. The identity of the deceased was confirmed as Koza on the following Monday.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the reasons and circumstances surrounding Koza’s death.

Koza operated a business in Davidsonville, where the incident occurred, as reported by various news outlets. Officers suggested that there were signs of a struggle at the scene.

Investigators believe that Poole and Dake attacked Koza, forced him into a truck, then went to a gas station for fuel to start the fire. They allegedly returned to the site, set the vehicle ablaze, and fled the scene, according to police statements.

Evidence indicated that Koza’s arms and hands were bound, and his mouth was also restrained. Furthermore, a hat from a local sporting goods store was found at the scene, and surveillance footage reportedly showed Poole wearing it.

Both individuals are said to have been high school students, and Dake was believed to have been an employee at Koza’s business.

“This kind of crime is really unusual for Anne Arundel County, especially one so brutal,” remarked Justin Malcahi, a spokesperson for the police.

Recent reports have highlighted a troubling trend, with the county experiencing seven murders so far in 2025, more than five times the number recorded during the same period in 2024, representing a staggering 250% increase according to crime statistics released on Monday.