Davidsonville Homicide Victim Identified as Local Business Owner; Two Teens Arrested

Davidsonville Homicide Victim Identified as Local Business Owner; Two Teens Arrested

DAVIDSONVILLE, Md. — Anne Arundel County police have officially identified the victim in a disturbing homicide case that began with the discovery of human remains in a burning vehicle. Authorities confirmed that Edward Stephen Koza, 67, of Annapolis, was the man found dead inside the torched car on May 24 in the parking lot of his own business, Tropic Bay Water Gardens, off West Central Avenue in Davidsonville.

Firefighters were initially called to the scene for a vehicle fire, but upon extinguishing the flames, they made the grim discovery of human remains inside. The Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the case a homicide, although the specific cause of death is still pending.

On Saturday, May 31, police arrested two 18-year-olds in connection with the killing: Jonah Michael Poole, of Davidsonville, and Kylee Alyssa Dakes, of Harwood. Both were taken into custody at a residence in Harwood and have been denied bail. They face a series of serious charges, including:

• First- and second-degree murder
• First- and second-degree assault
• Conspiracy to commit murder
• Arson

According to police charging documents, Koza was bound, robbed, and fatally bludgeoned with a decorative rock inside his garden shop before being placed in his car, which was then set on fire. Investigators allege that Poole and Dakes planned the murder during a shopping trip to Arundel Mills, where they purchased gasoline used in the arson.

Poole, reportedly a senior at Southern High School, was partially identified through his prom photos, which matched surveillance footage. His defense attorney claims there is no direct evidence linking him to the murder and argued that no one witnessed him commit the crime. Despite this, the judge ruled that Poole posed a danger to the public, noting his connection to a felony burglary at a restaurant just six days prior.

Dakes’ defense similarly argued for bail, stating she had no known motive and was due to graduate with honors the same day as her hearing. Her family insists she was simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Though arrests have been made, Anne Arundel County Police stress that the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department at 410-222-4731 or via the Anne Arundel County Tip Line.

This tragic case has left the Davidsonville and Annapolis communities shocked, mourning the brutal loss of a respected local business owner.