Severn woman found guilty of child abuse after accusing minor of stealing anointing oil

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — A Severn woman has been found guilty of multiple charges, including second-degree child abuse, after officials said she assaulted a minor during a dispute at a home in Anne Arundel County.

Tekecia Brown-Murdock, 41, was found guilty of second-degree child abuse, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment, officials announced on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Oct. 2, 2025, when Anne Arundel County police were dispatched to a home for a disturbance in the 1700 block of Village Square Court.

Police learned that Brown-Murdock had accused a minor of stealing her anointing oil from the kitchen, officials reported.

The defendant had slapped the victim, threw the victim to the ground, and then grabbed the victim around the throat, stating, “You’ll never be stronger than me,” according to authorities.

State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess wrote, “I want to commend Officer Price for handling this call with professionalism and for his sharp eye – noticing scratches, bruising, and small purple dots on the victim’s neck as signs of strangulation. Thank you to Assistant State’s Attorney Anastasia Prigge for her work getting justice and accountability for this abusive act.”

Brown-Murdock is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 8, 2026.