AUSTIN DAVIDSON CONVICTED OF 1ST-DEGREE MURDER FOR THE JUNE 12, 2022, MURDER OF CPL. GLENN HILLIARD

Wicomico County, MD - On May 8, 2023, following a six (6) day jury trial, Austin Jacob Allen Davidson, formerly of Delmar, Maryland, was convicted of First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder, two (2) counts of Burglary, Firearm Use in a Violent Crime, and six (6) additional gun-related charges.The Honorable S. James Sarbanes, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, presided over the trial. Sentencing was postponed to allow for a pre-sentencing investigation to be completed. Davidson will remain in custody pending sentencing.During the evening hours of June 12, 2022, the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office received a call from a citizen advising that Austin Davidson was wanted and that he was in the area of the Pittsville Park.Corporal Glenn Hilliard was among the Deputies dispatched to the area to locate Austin Davidson, who had four (4) open warrants for his arrest. While patrolling the area, Corporal Hilliard observed a subject matching Davidson's description walking along Gumboro Road.As Corporal Hilliard turned his patrol vehicle around, Davidson ducked into the Talbot Apartment complex and entered the stairwell of a building. As Corporal Hilliard pulled his patrol vehicle to the end of the parking lot and in close proximity to the stairwell, Davidson exited the stairwell and began to flee around the building.Corporal Hilliard drew has agency issued Taser and began to pursue Davidson. As Davidson fled, the superiorly fit Deputy closed the gap to a distance of less than ten (10) feet, while repeatedly warning Davidson that he would be "Tased" if he did not stop fleeing.Davidson chose not to surrender and instead drew a Taurus 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, activated the laser sight, and fired three rounds at Corporal Hilliard.Tragically, two of the rounds struck Corporal Hilliard who was later pronounced deceased at Tidal Health in Salisbury, Maryland.Wicomico County State's Attorney (SA) Jamie Dykes said "Corporal Glenn Hilliard was a wonderful father and husband, an accomplished law enforcement officer, and a friend to all who knew him. Corporal Hilliard made the ultimate sacrifice serving his community because Austin Davidson refused to be taken into custody on his four (4) outstanding arrest warrants. The Hilliard family, the law enforcement family, and ourcommunity have suffered immensely. I am grateful for the jury's time, attention and verdict."SA Dykes commended the members of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, the Maryland State Police, the Maryland Natural Resources Police, and allied agency personnel from all over the shore who assisted in the hours and days following the tragic events of June 12, 2022.She specifically commended Sgt. S. Hallman and the other members of the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit for their hard work and diligence in the investigation.SA Dykes also commended her co-counsel, Senior Assistant State's Attorney Patrizia Coletta, who assisted with the prosecution of the case, as well as Sr. ASA Scott Messersmith, ASA Michael Calabrese, Investigator Scott Cook, Evidence Technician Tess Yiannouris, and her Executive Administrative Assistant Kristin Fissel.SA Dykes said, "Every staff member at the Office of the State's Attorney for Wicomico County contributed to justice being served in the murder of Corporal Glenn Hilliard. I am blessed for the strength and steadfast commitment of this incredible team."© Eastern Shore Undercover LLC TM/SM. All Rights Reserved.