A 34-year-old Maryland woman, Keyona Dillon, is currently in custody for the alleged murder of her 11-year-old daughter, London Olsen. Dillon is facing a first-degree murder charge, as stated by the Baltimore County Police Department. The circumstances surrounding the case are both shocking and unusual.
Dillon was apprehended last Thursday after she visited a neighbor’s house in Middle River, a community within the larger Baltimore metropolitan area. It was there that she reportedly informed the neighbor that her daughter was deceased in their home’s basement.
Police were alerted to the situation around noon that day, responding to a 911 call regarding a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival at the Firethorn Road residence, officers discovered the young girl with blood around her mouth and bruises covering her body. A ligature mark was found on the child’s neck, and blood was present near her body on the floor. Investigators suspect that a plastic drain cleaner was used in the strangulation.
Dillon’s behavior during questioning was erratic, according to law enforcement. She was taken to the Baltimore County Police Department Headquarters for an interview, where she continued to act strangely, making claims about child sex rings, transsexuals, and the Proud Boys. She also suggested that groups were attempting to frame her.
As the investigation progressed, a clearer picture of the events leading up to Olsen’s death began to emerge. Dillon reportedly believed that her daughter was involved in a sexual relationship with the father of her other three children. However, detectives found no evidence of sexual abuse or forced entry into the home. The only individuals present in the house were Dillon and her children, including Olsen.
In addition to the tragic death of the child, officers discovered four deceased pets in the home: a dog, a rabbit, and two cats. Dillon confessed to killing the animals as a means of threatening her daughter, warning her of the consequences if she did not tell the truth about her supposed relationship with her father.
During an interview with police, Dillon’s 5-year-old daughter confirmed witnessing her mother kill the family pets using a hammer and her knee the night before Olsen’s murder. The young child also claimed to have seen her mother choking Olsen in the basement.
At a bail hearing on Friday, Dillon made several statements and demands, insisting on representing herself and accusing authorities of violating her rights. She declined the offer of a public defender and the judge ordered a mental evaluation.
In a social media post, Olsen’s aunt expressed frustration over her attempts to get help from child welfare authorities in the days leading up to the murder. Despite her numerous calls and clear signs of a crisis, immediate action was not taken. She believes that her niece’s death could have been prevented with earlier intervention.
Dillon is currently being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center.