A 17-year-old student has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Baltimore man found dead in his car at a Columbia shopping center on October 12. The arrest, which took place at Howard High School, has reignited the debate over juvenile justice policies in Maryland.

Police apprehended the suspect, who is being charged as an adult with first-degree murder and related charges, around 12:45 p.m. at the school. Alarmingly, the teen was found with a loaded gun in his backpack at the time of arrest.

The case has drawn particular attention because the teenager was already under supervision by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) for a prior incident in Anne Arundel County and was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the alleged murder.

This incident has prompted Maryland House Republicans to renew their call for the removal of DJS Secretary Vincent Schiraldi. In a statement, they said:

“Two weeks ago, the Joint Republican Caucus respectfully asked Governor Moore to remove Secretary Schiraldi from his position with the Department of Juvenile Services. Today, after the arrest of a juvenile offender who under DJS supervision with an ankle monitor not only was involved in a homicide but also managed to come to school with a gun – we renew this call. Our neighborhoods and schools can no longer be the laboratory for the Secretary’s failed policies. Our citizens and our children deserve safe neighborhoods free from violent offenders.”

The investigation is ongoing, with police still searching for a second suspect believed to be acquainted with the arrested teenager. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the second suspect to contact police at 410-313-STOP or email [email protected]. Tipsters may remain anonymous.