Family in "utter shock" after grandmother, granddaughter murdered in Middle River

BALTIMORE -- Family members say they are shocked after a woman and her granddaughter were found dead Sunday morning inside a home in Middle River. Autumn Harvey, 29, and her 75-year-old grandmother, Iona Sellers, had been living together at the home on Taos Circle.

Baltimore County Police responded to the home just before 10 a.m. Sunday for a check location call. Inside, officers found the women dead with blunt force trauma to their upper bodies. 

Devin Harvey, Autumn Harvey's cousin, told WJZ that family members hadn't heard from her since last Friday.

"[It was] complete utter shock," Harvey said. "I think I blacked out for a couple of seconds [when I found out]. I just woke up and I was on the floor."

Harvey told WJZ he grew up with Autumn and even lived in the same home. He says he viewed her as a sibling, rather than a cousin. The two hung out regularly as adults, sharing similar pastimes as when they were children. 

Harvey said the last time he saw his cousin was last week at another family member's home enjoying the pool and a meal.

Victims remembered by family

He described her as a kind person with a contagious laugh.

"She was a little bit shy, but once you got to know her and break out of her shell, she was just awesome," Harvey said.

Harvey said Autumn moved in with Iona a few years ago after her grandfather died. 

While Harvey is not related to her, he described Iona as a giving person who was devoted to her community and church.

"She was an awesome person," Harvey said. "[She would] give you the shirt off her back. They were very close. Autumn wanted to stay here with her grandmother because she didn't want her to be alone."

Seeking justice

The family says they are still processing the trauma of the murders while hoping justice will be served.

"We just so badly want to find out why this happened, who did this, and seek justice," Harvey said.

Police say they are still looking for a suspect and add they are committed to finding the person responsible.

Detectives urge anyone with information related to the case to contact them at 410-307-2020 or the Metro Crime Stoppers anonymous tipline at 1-866-756-2587 (7LOCKUP).