It was supposed to be just another quiet night in the rolling hills of Washington County, but early on November 18, a home on the 13000 block of National Pike in Clear Spring turned into a nightmare. Three people—Brittany Ray, 31; Harold Flichman, 36; and Brianna Mae Weishaar, 25—were found dead inside after a devastating fire ripped through their place. Maryland State Police now say it wasn’t an accident; it was deliberate arson, with accelerants poured and a blaze set to cover up something far more sinister. The victims, who all lived together in that modest home, never stood a chance against the flames and the violence that came before.
What hits you hardest when you hear about this is how ordinary these folks seemed—Brittany, Harold, and Brianna sharing a roof, probably just trying to get by like anyone else. But investigators quickly spotted red flags at the scene. K9 units sniffed out accelerants, and autopsies revealed trauma on the bodies that had nothing to do with the fire. We’re talking injuries that screamed foul play, not just smoke and heat. It was clear from the jump that someone wanted these three gone, and they went to brutal lengths to make it happen.
The police didn’t waste time piecing it together. Through a whirlwind investigation, they zeroed in on four suspects who they believe orchestrated the whole thing: a trio of men and one woman, all from different corners of Maryland. Authorities are holding out hope for more arrests, as they dig deeper into connections that might tie others to this mess. It’s the kind of story that shakes a small community like Clear Spring to its core, where folks know each other and tragedies like this feel personal.
Leading the pack of those in custody is Darnell Hawkins, 47, from Baltimore—also known as Donnell. He got picked up in Baltimore County on November 28, just ten days after the fire. Facing three counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree arson, and a slew of related charges, Hawkins is locked up without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center. You can’t help but wonder what drove a guy his age to get mixed up in something this vicious—maybe debts, grudges, or worse—but the cops are keeping those motives close for now.
Then there’s Tony Smith, 43, out of Hagerstown, who was nabbed even sooner, on November 23 in Montgomery County. His charges mirror Hawkins’: three first-degree murders, arson, and the works. He’s sitting tight without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center, and from what we’ve heard, he didn’t put up much of a fight when they came for him. Hagerstown’s not far from Clear Spring, so there’s that local angle that makes this feel even more chilling—like the danger was right next door.
Maurice Mouzon, 46, also from Baltimore, was the first to go down, arrested on November 21 right in Baltimore City. His rap sheet from this includes conspiracy to commit armed robbery, distribution of narcotics, and a handgun violation. On top of that, they found drugs during the bust, leading to separate possession-with-intent-to-distribute charges. No bond for him either; he’s holed up at the Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center. It sounds like Mouzon might’ve been the spark—or at least part of the crew handling the dirty details before the fire got lit.
Rounding out the group is Kierra White, 35, from Glen Burnie. She was arrested on November 25 in Baltimore County and charged with acting as an accessory after the fact to murder. It’s a different role from the others, more about helping cover tracks than pulling triggers or pouring gas, but it still lands her without bond at the Washington County Detention Center. In a case this tangled, every piece matters, and White’s involvement hints at how these suspects might’ve scattered after the crime, relying on each other to stay one step ahead.
As the dust settles, Maryland State Police are urging anyone with tips to come forward—small communities like this one heal faster when everyone’s in the loop. More arrests could be on the horizon, and while the why behind this triple loss remains murky, one thing’s clear: Brittany, Harold, and Brianna deserved better than to go out like that. It’s a reminder of how fragile life can be, even in the quiet spots we call home.
