53-year-old son, who handcuffed his 72-year-old mother in her apartment where they both lived before fatally stabbing her dozens of times over an argument about her car, was sentenced

Maryland – In a deeply disturbing case in Maryland that left residents shocked, a 53‑year‑old son, identified as R. English, has been sentenced to prison in the fatal stabbing of his 72‑year‑old mother, identified as L. Royster, following a bitter dispute over her car. English was convicted of first‑degree murder and received a punishment reflecting the severity of his actions and the life taken from Royster.

Prosecutors argued that English’s brutal attack was rooted in a dispute over the use of his mother’s vehicle and that his violent reaction went far beyond any reasonable response to a family disagreement. The judge ultimately sentenced English to life in prison with all but 72 years suspended, a term equal to the number of years Royster had lived at the time of her death.

The horrific events unfolded on April 3, 2024, at the home shared by English and his mother. That evening, police were called for a welfare check at Royster’s residence after concerns were raised about her well‑being. When officers arrived, they found her inside the apartment with multiple stab wounds. According to prosecutors, she had been stabbed 47 times and had a handcuff fastened to her wrist, suggesting she was restrained during the attack. Royster was pronounced dead at the scene. The brutality of the assault and the number of wounds indicated a violent and frenzied attack, one that investigators quickly determined did not match the story English initially offered.

Earlier on that day, English had been encountered by law enforcement about 40 miles from the home, where he was seen jumping into a creek. He was wearing a woman’s engagement ring and told officers he was praying. He was taken to a hospital for treatment, but later charged in connection with his mother’s murder once details of the assault came to light. During the investigation, authorities found evidence and witness statements that contradicted claims of an accidental fall or other benign causes. Detectives established that English had handcuffed his mother and fatally stabbed her after a confrontation about her car. Prosecutors later noted English even continued arguing about the vehicle with relatives after his arrest, underscoring the irrational and violent nature of his actions.

After his arrest, the case progressed through the legal system. A jury found English guilty of first-degree murder in August 2025. The conviction was announced by Interim State’s Attorney T. Jackson, who emphasized the difficulty of prosecuting crimes that occur within families and expressed hope that the verdict would bring some measure of peace to Royster’s loved ones. At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors asked the judge to impose a 72‑year sentence—a term intended to mirror Royster’s age and ensure that the magnitude of loss would be etched into English’s conscience.

English remained emotionless and did not address the court during the sentencing. Family members in attendance were visibly emotional, describing Royster as a generous and caring woman who “was a pillar in our family.” Friends echoed similar sentiments, stressing how much she meant to those who knew her. English’s sentence reflects both the gravity of the crime and the age of the victim. While sentencing marks a critical step in the legal process, Royster’s family has stressed that the emotional wounds left behind are deep and long‑lasting.

Court records reveal that English has already initiated an appeal against his conviction, suggesting that the legal battle may not have reached its final resolution. Regardless of future proceedings, the sentence handed down stands as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of domestic violence, particularly when a dispute within a family escalates into a fatal assault. For the community, and especially for Royster’s relatives, the case underscores the need for awareness and intervention in domestic conflicts before they reach a deadly conclusion. As the legal system continues to unfold around English’s conviction, Royster’s memory remains central to the ongoing pursuit of justice.