Man allegedly fatally shot pregnant woman; baby died days after emergency delivery

HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (TCN) -- Authorities recently arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of fatally shooting a pregnant woman whose baby was delivered but died several days later.

According to Howard County Police, on the night of July 31, 2020, officers responded to a home on Dovecote Drive to a report of several gunshots. The victim, 30-year-old Rabiah Ahmad, was transported to the hospital, where she died.

Ahmad was 28 weeks pregnant at the time. Doctors reportedly delivered her baby girl, Ahja, but the infant died five days later.

Police said Ahmad had recently moved to Maryland and had been staying at the Dovecote Drive home for a few months.

Officers allege Edward Robinson had a dispute with two other people who also lived in the residence, and he fired shots from outside, striking Ahmad once. No one else was injured in the shooting. Ahmad was allegedly "not the intended target," and police believe the gunshots were supposed to be a "warning to other residents."

On April 9, during a search at Robinson’s home, investigators reportedly recovered a gun that matched the projectiles from the crime scene. Officials will test the firearm to confirm if it was used to kill the victim.

Authorities arrested Robinson in Gaithersburg on April 9 on two counts each of first- and second-degree murder and related assault and handgun violations. He remains held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center.

Police Chief Gregory Der said, "Nearly five years have passed since Rabiah and baby Ahja’s senseless deaths, and I know it must have felt much longer for their family. Rabiah had an incredibly bright future, and her and Ahja’s lives were taken so callously. I want to commend our detectives for their tireless work and those who came forward to provide the information necessary to move this case forward."

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