The quiet community of Davidsonville, Maryland, was shaken to its core on May 24, 2025, when a vehicle fire in the parking lot of Tropic Bay Water Gardens revealed a grim discovery: the charred remains of a human body. The victim, later identified by Anne Arundel County police as 67-year-old Edward Stephen Koza of Annapolis, was not just a local resident but the owner of the very business where the tragedy unfolded. The loss of Koza, a familiar figure in the tight-knit community, has left residents grappling with grief and disbelief, as the circumstances surrounding his death point to a deliberate and violent act.

The incident began shortly before 9:30 p.m. on that fateful Saturday night, when emergency responders rushed to 600 West Central Avenue after reports of a vehicle engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked swiftly to extinguish the blaze, only to uncover human remains in the passenger compartment of the burned-out car. The discovery sent shockwaves through Davidsonville, a small town unaccustomed to such harrowing events. The Anne Arundel County Police Department, alongside the Fire & Explosives Investigations Unit, immediately launched an investigation into what was initially deemed a suspicious death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore later confirmed the worst fears: the death was a homicide. While the precise cause of death remains under investigation, the ruling underscored the gravity of the crime.

On May 31, exactly one week after the fire, police made a significant breakthrough in the case. Two 18-year-old suspects, Jonah Michael Poole of Davidsonville and Kylee Alyssa Dakes of Harwood, were arrested at a residence on Bethel Lane in Harwood. The pair now face a litany of serious charges, including first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, conspiracy to commit murder, and arson. The arrests have added a layer of complexity to the tragedy, as both suspects are young members of the local community, raising questions about what could drive such an act. Authorities have not released details about the motive or the relationship, if any, between the suspects and Koza, leaving the community to speculate as the investigation continues.

Edward Stephen Koza was a well-known figure in Davidsonville, having operated Tropic Bay Water Gardens, a local business that served as a gathering place for gardening enthusiasts and neighbors alike. His death has left a void in the community, with residents expressing sorrow and shock. One customer, reflecting on the tragedy, described it as “crazy and very sad,” emphasizing the ripple effect felt by those connected to Koza and his business. The fact that Tropic Bay Water Gardens was closed the following Saturday, an unusual occurrence, further underscored the weight of the loss for the community.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department has been methodical in its approach, combing through evidence and seeking witnesses to piece together the events leading up to Koza’s death. Investigators are reportedly reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing individuals who may have visited the business or been in the area on the night of the fire. Despite the arrests, the investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. They have provided multiple channels for tips, including a dedicated phone line at 410-222-4731, an anonymous tip line at 410-222-4700, and Metro Crime Stoppers for those wishing to remain confidential.

This case marks a troubling milestone for Anne Arundel County, which has seen a rise in homicides in 2025. According to police data, the county had recorded seven homicide victims by May 29, a stark contrast to just two at the same point in 2024. The previous year saw a total of ten homicides, and Koza’s death adds to a growing concern about violent crime in the region. For now, the community mourns the loss of a respected business owner while grappling with the unsettling reality of a homicide in their midst. As the investigation unfolds, residents are left hoping for answers that will bring closure to a tragedy that has forever altered their sense of safety and community.