On Thursday evening, February 22, 2024, at approximately 10:19, Deputies with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) were dispatched to a residence in the unit block of Tarkka Lane in North East, Maryland for what was initially reported as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Upon Deputies arrival a deceased female was located inside of the residence and identified as Brittany Morgan Ling, 34. Brittany is the wife of Christopher Ling, 36, who was also located inside of the residence. Deputies cleared this location and continued to conduct a suspicious death investigation with the Office of Chief Medical Examiners (OCME).
After clearing the residence, Cecil County Emergency Services 911 received a call from Christopher requesting that investigators return to his location. When this call was received, detectives contacted Christopher via cell phone and heard what they believed to be a round being discharged from a long gun. Deputies arrived on scene and sought cover as they established verbal dialogue with Christopher, who indicated that he wished to take his own life officials said Thursday.
Negotiators and Special Response Team (SRT) members with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office were contacted and would eventually arrive on scene establishing a perimeter. CCSO officials requested assistance from SRT members with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and their armored vehicle. The armored vehicle was utilized so that SRT members could navigate safely to Christoper. Upon approach, Christopher discharged one round from the long weapon, taking his own life.
Both Christopher and Brittany were taken to the OCME for the purpose of an autopsy. After an extensive investigation between officials with the Medical Examiners Office and detectives with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office the medical examiner ruled Brittany Ling’s death a homicide, and Christopher Ling’s death a suicide.
Anyone possessing additional information please reach out to Detective Carson White at (410) 392-2171 or by email at [email protected]. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous and has information regarding any crime can contact the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office tipline at (410) 392-2180.