A 20-year-old Forest Hill man was arrested by Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies early Thursday morning, hours after police said he stabbed his mother to death in their home.
Isaac Anya Ojiabo Jr., 20, was taken into custody without incident at approximately 4:30 a.m., when detectives canvassing the Forest Hill area located him in his family’s white Lexus SUV at the intersection of Crouse and Putnam Road, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Edward Hopkins said.
Ojiabo was being held at the Harford County Detention Center Thursday morning, awaiting an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner on charges of first and second degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
According to police, the body of Joy Ojiabo, 51, was found on the second floor of the family’s home shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday by her husband, Anya Ojiabo, who was returning home from work. At that time, the younger Ojiabo was not present at the home, located in the 1600 block of Rushing Stream Court as part of the small, upscale development of Morning Brook Farm off Morse Road just outside Jarrettsville.
The elder Ojiabo called 911, but Hopkins said investigators later determined that his wife was already deceased at the time she was found; it was not immediately clear when the crime had occurred.
A man who identified himself as Anya Ojiabo answered the door of the family’s home Thursday morning, but declined comment.
Hopkins said deputies were called to the home three times in the past year for domestic disturbances involving Joy Ojiabo and her son, including visits in March, September, and December.
“Just because we’re there a half-dozen times doesn’t mean we’re going to arrest anyone, nor it is indicative that this young man was going to do this,” Hopkins said. “Family situations are tough, they can be tough to gauge.”
The family’s troubles were known around their small cul-de-sac, according to the Ojiabo’s next-door neighbor.
“I think there had been arguments between the parents and the children,” said the neighbor, Lisa, who declined to give her last name. “Someone in the neighborhood told me there had been arguments.”
The neighbor said her family did not often interact with the Ojiabos, who she said were Nigerian and had lived in the neighborhood for approximately six years. She said she believed that Isaac Ojiabo attended Fallston High School and had worked at a local Subway restaurant, and that his mother was an attorney.
“It’s devastating, totally devastating,” she said.
Check back with The Dagger for updates on this developing story.
How come there is no snow on the roof? Do you think the attic is not properly ventilating air, and/or lack of insulation?
Really, someone is going to talk about snow on a roof…. A lady, a Mother has been killed and your are thinking about snow. Grr
My prayers go out to the family and everyone touched by this tragedy.
Yep. You don’t have to read, or reply to me of you don’t care about roofs.
What are you having for lunch? I may stop at McDonald’s
After reading this horrific story, I have to say, that when I looked at the picture I thought the same thing. Our roof is still snow covered. I believe there’s not a lot of snow because it gets the morning sun.
Absolutely…lots of common sense
That’s my family member stupid ass
Yea…I think it’s very peculiar that there is no snow on the roof….Maybe the lack of ventilation is what was causing the heated arguments in the home.
That’s my family member stupid ass.com
I keep wondering why people spend so much money on these houses and yet have twigs for landscaping. Some really nice bushes would have made the house look better.
It is winter, dumbass.
We all know what season, and what effects of Horticulture of the seasons.
The absence of shrubs, and bushes has no effect of Winter.
So, since this young man is just a mere youth at 20 years of age, when will there be protest groups supporting him? Perhaps he smoked too much weed and was abused at home and thus committed a justifiable homicide?
Any of the Richardson supporters wish to come forward and defend another piece of human debris?
This guy should be tried, hopefully convicted and executed. Oh, wait, we are in Maryland where our politicians know better than the masses. There is no death penalty any more. A shame.
Laugh it up hairball…. this county is filled with well to do people that are mentally ill and ignored because either their parents have money, or live in a nice neighborhood or maybe the American Dream really doesn’t involve the vast collection of material possessions and wealth.
If you actually gave a damn about something besides your own pursuit of a piece of the pie, maybe things like this wouldn’t play out in the Dagger for you amateur politicians and social workers and law enforcement and legal professionals to comment on.
The biggest problem in this country is no one is responsible for their actions anymore. We have all kinds of excuses to use instead of just saying the act was wrong and now a person who committed a crime must pay. Schools are not allowed to correct the kids. God and prayer has been taken out of school and has been replaced with “I have two Mommies”. People condone the murder of thousands of unborn children each year, yet go nuts when an animal is mistreated Parents are not allowed to correct the kids. Unless you call timeouts punishment. Want to see this in action, spend a day in court and listen to the excuses of lawyers, social workers and who ever else they can bring in to justify the crime. So Becuase be proud of what your socialist party has done to our country.
The houses in that neighborhood are terribly built. The windows, in particular, are extremely low end. Basically vinyl replacement windows in a brand new house. Should be Marvin or Andersen.
They are Andersen..hating
Where are all of the Richardson supporters? Can only handle one murderer at a time?
Actually, if you look closely, there is some snow on the roof.
It’s been my experience these McMansions use cheap fixtures as well. This was a million dollar property.
The insides of a McMansion look like everything came from Home Depot. Expensive solid surface counter tops on crap cabinets. All the light and plumbing fixtures are crap. The glass is clear and not LowE. The driveways are concrete and make you feel the quality (not). They brick too close to the bottom of the windows, the frames distort and the screens won’t fit. The steps and flooring are thin veneer and not solid. The oak veneer is rotary cut so it looks distorted and ugly. The exterior trim is wood instead of vinyl. No weep holes in the brick. Multiple heat pumps with electric backup……that’s gotta be expensive now. Amana or Goodman HVAC….which is crap. The houses are planned obsolescence.
Keep it on topic.
On the bright side, Aaron, all of the commenters on this story have found an area they can agree on…
OK. STRING HIM UP
What happened to his nice earrings in that picture?
Sorry Aaron…..
It’s a bummer that Mom’s dead and the son goes to jail for most of his life.
You wonder if this situation was intervened early on (as in years) how it would have played out? How would that young man turn out if I raised him? I betcha not a murderer……
It is actually really sad. I was a classmate of the guy for a little while, seemed like a really nice kid with not too many problems. always made the kids around him laugh. it’s a shock to me.
I went to school with this kid back when his family still lived in Baltimore. In fact, his older brother goes to the college I currently go to. I’ll pray for the family. This is just terrible news
Wow. Kind of irks me how people can be so rude to this family in their loss. He wasnt abused as a child at all. Played soccer with him, his brother and sister as a child. Carpooled for school. His mother helped deliver my baby just last year and his brother is the godfather. Theyre a good family and hes a good person. Just young and made a mistake that he has to live with.
I am so glad to know someone knows this family and has something nice to say about them. I wonder what snow and building structure got to do with this? It is really a sad situation. My heart felt sympathy goes to the family.
Where did we go wrong with our youths?
Snow and building structures have nothing to do with an article, it just came up as casual conversation because of a picture. “Off topic” like everything else – – – everywhere else in life.
Just because the “comments” may not align with what you think they should be about, doesn’t mean everyone else has to follow that. This isn’t a City Hall meeting.
Yea, a mistake his mom can’t live with.
“Just young and made a mistake that he has to live with.”
Really, that’s how you see this incident? We really are in trouble with that attitude.
“Where did we go wrong with our youths?”
We didn’t. If we had, many, many more would have killed their parents. Think about what you are saying. A child killing their parent is a very rare thing.
ReElect,
Maybe if your man Jesse had trained his deputies a bit more, they would have seen a potential problem. Train them more so they may make a difference, especially the Domestic Violence ones……check your stats… has occurred severl times in this county, all the way back to the poor Sherman folks in the 80’s. And the young boy from Bel Air not to long ago?
We all need to do something to stop the violence… parents hug and teach your kids more about respect and consideration…
Hopkins said deputies were called to the home three times in the past year for domestic disturbances involving Joy Ojiabo and her son, including visits in March, September, and December.
“Just because we’re there a half-dozen times doesn’t mean we’re going to arrest anyone, nor it is indicative that this young man was going to do this,” Hopkins said. “Family situations are tough, they can be tough to gauge.”
The family’s troubles were known around their small cul-de-sac, according to the Ojiabo’s next-door neighbor.
You think maybe they should have done something?
That didn’t take long to attack my comment…. I’m not saying the deputies were negligent or anything, maybe if they had some more training or education to recognize possible problems… maybe the neighbors should have said something if what the report says is true. I support our deputies….
The HCSO responds to many more domestic calls in the Edgewood area than the Forrest Hill area. Truth be known there are many more parents who mistreat their children in Edgewood than in Forrest Hill. I don’t know the circumstances of this case other than the alleged murder, but one thing for sure, it has nothing to do with Sheriff Bane and how he does his job.
Totally Amazed says:
Understanding everyones First Amendment right, it’s still totally amazing how you “alleged” adults write some of the things you do. Yes you have the right to do so, but do you not have any shame or dignity? The audacity of some of you to turn this tragic story into a political forum, a Good Housekeeping forum and onslaught of personal insults, is profound. It’s no wonder the USA is the sad state of affairs we are in today… this forum just exemplifies why….
To the family and friends of the victim, my deepest wishes for your recovery to this tragic event, and to the suspect, my prayers that you will come to terms and realize the ramifications of your actions…I wish all involved Godspeed……
This is a news article, not an obituary. I will talk about home improvement if I want to? When you are in restaurant, are you only inclined to talk about the food?
“When you are in restaurant, are you only inclined to talk about the food?”
No, mostly we talk about dumb ass roofing experts. After all, it is a free country.
Non Roofer,
Perhaps some further education on your behalf is in order here. English comprehension and reading should be present, not just the proper way to hammer nails. Read my first sentence. You have the right to do so [write absurd comments], just as I exercise the same right I am doing so in a respectable manner… not using vulgar or mean statements. When at dinner I speak of many things with my family, but not in the inappropiate manner in which you do here. I wish you well.
Reelect the Sheriff,
Your response is quite witty, on point and much welcomed. Thank you for your insight and agreement with my point. Have a great day.
I was thinking about the Shermans also.
Good people don’t kill their mothers! Hello, common sense is not so common anymore.
Its irks the hell out of me to see these people talking like this about the family. Isaac was actually a cool person when i met him. I’m just disgusted with the ignorance of these people. They have no respect. No sympathy. No compassion. A tragedy happened and simply because they arent dealing with it they think its ok to make these dumbass comments about how much the house was and the fact they’re Nigerian. That has nothing to do with any of it. It’s sad that the media can spin the story for the sake of a story. Leave the Ojiabo’s alone. They got enough to deal with.
“Hes a good person” says Amber.
No. Hes a murderer.
“He made a mistake” says Amber.
No. He killed someone. That’s not a mistake. That’s murder.
This is what happens when we let developers and politicians destroy our farms and woods to make more houses we don’t need. People move in that aren’t from Harford county and then they kill their parents. I warned you this sort of thing would happen if we don’t stop all development.
You finally catch on. Crappy McMansions built to maximize greedy developer profits. Built to last just long enough for them to cash the check and wash their hands of it. You really think this is appropriate bs in this context?
Money Tree, is that really you? I’d like to know the yos that up voted you!
Of course not – that comment is absurd.
You want to know what’s wrong with our youth? Take a look at the comments, apparently, Someone has the opinion that, quote the article, ” charges of first and second degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.” is ‘making a mistake.’
What a true pillar of society we have here!
No one mentions the fact, that it’s apparently okay to go knock on the door of a man who’s wife was just killed by his son. Disgusting behavior of the media is certainly one of the things that is wrong with society.
It seems there’s an abundance of prison space in Nigeria compared to USA:
http://www.mappery.com/World-Prison-Population-and-Incarceration-Rates-Map
All of you need to shut the f— up about houses with snow or anything else thats irrelevant to the story. They may not talk about it but there is a family that is now scarred for the rest of their lives. you all should show some respect because if it was your brother or sister you wouldn’t want all these ignorant ass comments about something tragic. So once again. Shut the f— up.
Why is it that these keyboard cowboys come out of the woodwork and express dissatisfaction by vulgar language with intense profanity? No one here has done that but you.
The simple fact is all of the posters here have made a judgement on what little “facts” they have read in the article. Their own neighbor said the mother was a lawyer and she’s a doctor. The truth is this family has faced a horrible tragedy and this young man will have to live with what he did for the rest if his life.
Am so sorry for this woman. May her soul rest in peace. As for son you have done the most wicked thing in this world kill your mother. Wow I can’t imagine this.
This is an unfortunate event. I have worked with this Lady and everybody who knows her at work agrees- She is a hardworking person who loves her family. Looking at the news though , I would wonder why there has been a big emphasis on the house to be $1M?? Now as to the domestic problems they have , I am not to judge. All I know is she left us with good memories of laughter and good words for her son who she described as ” a good and loving son”. What happened in between those words were uttered and this horrific incident , is as daunting as the picture of the alleged criminal posted here. May the family be blessed in this big trial.
I’m so very sorry for this family. What the child did was awful but looking at the bigger picture here, we have all lost something here. We lost a doctor that helped people and we lost the future talents of what this child could have grown up to be. He will lose his freedom, his father has lost his family. Its terribly sad and speaks volumes about the state of our mental health in our society and the stigma that still surrounds it. If you have private insurance, it is difficult to access inpatient mental health care for any length of time. Our system of care is terribly broken and until we begin to honestly address it, I worry that these type of occurrences will continue to happen. Prayers for the family and all who loved them.
Maybe you think we have all lost something here, but let me assure you I have not lost anything with the death of this woman, as tragic as her death is. You use your comment to set up your premise that mental health care in America is broken. You don’t really know this and you also don’t know if the alleged killer is mentally disturbed in in any way. We see criminals all the time who are just pieces of sh*t and there is not a damn thing wrong with them mentally. They are just bad evil people. Such people exists in our society. If he is guilty, and I did say if, then he should be locked up for a long, long time, along with the hundreds of others who are just like him. All bad actors should be locked up for a long time. We don’t need them among us.
@ Reelect Sheriff – I am an advanced practice mental health professional and our system in this country is terribly flawed. The violent behavior that we are seeing at an increasing level starts somewhere. In our country, we have very little in place to address emerging problems as primary or secondary prevention. Instead, we sink mega resources in tertiary care that by the time someone needs it, it is very expensive and not as successful. You are right about only one thing…the child’s mental status. I never purported to know whether he was diagnosed or not, but chances are very good that there was something terribly wrong that needed to be addressed with counseling or medication or both.
Mental health issue(s) seem to be today’s answer. Drug’em and they will be “ok.” What happened to the basic’s? Butt whooping and if you didn’t like it, leave home ON YOUR OWN at 18? Basic’s, I miss those days. And what happened to those days? Lawyers and Politicians.
Concerned Citizen,
You are an advanced practice mental health professional and you say our system in this country is terribly flawed. Flawed and broken are two very different things. Broken means that you are not effective in any way. Flawed tells us that there is always room for improvement, that a perfect system does not currently exist. Are you part of the problem? Do you ever help anyone through your practice? What needs to be changed in the system that would make it the system you want? Last, but not least, you and I agree that perhaps this man may have killed his mother just because he is a bad person. No one knows at this time, which was my point to the person to whom I posted. Was there something going on in his mind at the time of the act…. well, yeah, but that doesn’t mean he was mentally deranged. Angry perhaps, so he kills her. Happens all the time… one person kills another in an act of overwhelming anger.
Your personal definitions of flawed and broken, while interesting, are not quite accurate and I will leave it at that. Lets just agree to disagree and leave out personal attacks, which do nothing but shift the focus away from the real issues.
AFTER READING PREVIOUS COMMENTS AND THE POSTS OF THOSE WHO KNEW THE PEOPLE ESP. THAT OF FRANK ABEGNALE I REALIZED HOW BAD PEOPLE JUDGE OTHER BASED ON STEREOTYPES AND IGNORANCE.
You should take off your caps lock and use proper punctuation. Thank you.
Really “alleged” ??? You can see in this young adults eyes something is not right . Whether you havMS , Cancer , mental illness
“Alleged” because the verdict was not passed yet.
Weekly betting line for Harford County Sheriff race:
Bane 3-1Sheriff practicing tango for next victory dance
Ryan 7-1 Rookie runner’s poll numbers stabilizing
Gahler 8-1 Smokey Bear keeping powder dry
Shellnut 12-1 Fundraiser breakfast at Ivy rock netted $125,000
Peck 30-1 Proposing license plate-making facility in Frogtown
Understanding everyones First Amendment right, it’s still totally amazing how you “alleged” adults write some of the things you do. Yes you have the right to do so, but do you not have any shame or dignity? The audacity of some of you to turn this tragic story into a political forum, a Good Housekeeping forum and onslaught of personal insults, is profound. It’s no wonder the USA is the sad state of affairs we are in today… this forum just exemplifies why….
To the family and friends of the victim, my deepest wishes for your recovery to this tragic event, and to the suspect, my prayers that you will come to terms and realize the ramifications of your actions…I wish all involved Godspeed……
If you don’t want to read about home improvement, then stop reading it. Pretty easy.
I’m sorry to say just because you don’t take interest in snow on roofs doesn’t mean I shouldnt either, regardless where I want to talk about it.
I never stated that I wasn’t interested in snow on the roff of a house, or any political discussions, just to express the interests here in a forum is rather bizarre… That is what I am talking about.
Have a delightful day.
It can’t be more bizarre than homes that lack insulation, and adequate air ventilation.
Non Roofer,
Perhaps some further education on your behalf is in order here. English comprehension and reading should be present, not just the proper way to hammer nails. Read my first sentence. You have the right to do so [write absurd comments], just as I exercise the same right I am doing so in a respectable manner… not using vulgar or mean statements. When at dinner I speak of many things with my family, but not in the inappropiate manner in which you do here. I wish you well.
Roofing is very appropriate, there is a picture of a house with no snow on the roof.
Further comments along these lines will be deleted. This has nothing to do with the story and trivializes what occurred.
Arron,
Agreed they have drifted off the topic of this forum. I found myself baited by him. But, please be careful as you are dangerously close to a censorship issue.
Take care
His Facebook page has a picture of Jesus. He seems religious?
Jesus was their gardener.
No, Juan was there gardener. Jesus quit last year.
Are these people from the same group as the Joppatowne cannibal?
Typical baboon. I hope his rear gets railed in prison!
Afte reading this sad story! I must at meet that, this young man who is just 20 year of age will forever live to regret why he stapped and killed his own blood, his mother who Carried u for 9momths. This young man deserve to stay in jail for decays. His is stupid, u will forever miss the Luv of ur life. Ur one and only mother. May her soul RIP
Couple of points:
It doesn’t appear to be an alleged murder. Looks like an actual murder. The part that is alleged is that the Defendant did it.
Are people simply presuming that he has mental health issues? I haven’t seen that in the articles I’ve read. You know, sometimes people are angry and evil and sometimes there is a legitimate mental health concern. Some people are just bad eggs…
Agree. Sometimes people are just angry and evil….sometimes…. over money. Maybe the son had an addiction problem and his Mom told him “no”….Just a guess.
The media would not know of this mans state until he is evaluated by health professionals.
It is refreshing to see in his booking photo the detention center dressed him in the traditional garb of his ancestors and his people.
Congratulations! You seem to be the most unenlightened, ignorant person I have had the displeasure to read on this site. Ridiculous.
Exactly my thoughts noisy Neighbour,how ignorant can a person be in this present century? BillH my heart bleeds for your ABJECT IGNORANCE!
@ Reelect Sheriff – I am an advanced practice mental health professional and our system in this country is terribly flawed. The violent behavior that we are seeing at an increasing level starts somewhere. In our country, we have very little in place to address emerging problems as primary or secondary prevention. Instead, we sink mega resources in tertiary care that by the time someone needs it, it is very expensive and not as successful. You are right about only one thing…the child’s mental status. I never purported to know whether he was diagnosed or not, but chances are very good that there was something terribly wrong that needed to be addressed with counseling or medication or both.
More drugs, just “prescribed.” Always the answer. $$$
@FL, that is my point- having to treat someone after they have fully developed mental health issues is incredibly expensive. Please notice that I listed counseling first. Medication alone is never the answer. Please reread my post, above.