Silver Spring Man Gets 45 Years for Killing Girlfriend
Anthony Strong | MCPD
A Silver Spring man received 45 years from a Montgomery County Circuit Court judge for the murder of his girlfriend.
Anthony Strong, 51, pleaded guilty to the Nov. 7, 2017, first-degree murder of Chaunya Michalyn Blackwell, 43. Strong and Blackwell had been dating for three years and shared a home on Bradbury Manor Court in Silver Spring.
At a Montgomery County Circuit Court courthouse press conference, State’s Attorney John McCarthy said Strong gave up his right to have the sentence reconsidered.
Strong, however, can seek a gubernatorial pardon in 22-plus years, according to court spokesman Ramon Korionoff.
Blackwell worked in real estate and Strong worked in construction and home improvement, according to a state-prepared memorandum for the sentencing.
On the night of the murder, Blackwell and Strong were arguing over money. During the argument, Strong stabbed Blackwell, strangled her and smothered her with a pillow. At one point, he pushed his thumbs into her eyes, the memorandum says.
Joining McCarthy were at least a dozen of Blackwell’s relatives including her mother, aunt, brother, sister, grandmother and uncle. They wore yellow buttons with Blackwell’s face that had purple ribbons.
Aunt Michelle Lee read a prepared statement:
“In her memory we would like to remind you to pay attention to all women in your life who could potentially be victims of domestic violence. Famliarize yourselves with the warning signs and educate your mothers, daughters, nieces grand da and friends and neigh so this tragedy does not befall any other family.”
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