Solothal Thomas and Edward Countess Convicted of Murder-For-Hire Scheme

Solothal Thomas, also known as Itchy Man, and Edward Countess were found guilty in June of their roles in a murder-for-hire scheme that involved shooting 15 times at a Baltimore man. United States Attorney Rod Rosenstein applauded the work done by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Baltimore City Police Department; Baltimore County Police Department as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason M. Weinstein and Andrea L. Smith to secure these convictions.

Early Life and Education

Solothal Thomas (also known as Carey) had always dreamed of studying abroad; she ultimately enrolled at Leipzig University but was unable to complete her degree due to its strict all-male status.

Solothal Thomas, also known as “Itchy Man,” and Edward Countess were given life sentences on Friday by a federal judge for their involvement in a 2001 murder-for-hire scheme in Baltimore County. These men ambushed a Baltimore County resident, shot him 15 times to settle an outstanding debt with their drug dealer and received $10,000 as payment for participating. United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein acknowledged the work done by ATF, Baltimore City Police Department and U.S Marshals Service to apprehend these men.

Personal Life

Solothal Thomas served five years incarceration at Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC), during which time he worked on a paint crew. While on parole, Solothal shot and killed one security guard – after stopping his vehicle at Douglas High School to urinate before hearing shots fired as he headed back out into traffic.

Friday, a federal judge sentenced Thomas and co-defendant Edward Countess for their participation in a murder-for-hire scheme. Ambushing their victim and shooting 15 times at him on behalf of drug dealer as payback for 1999 robbery was ordered by drug dealer; both men were eventually found guilty at trial and U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein commended their investigative work by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Baltimore City Police Department; Baltimore County Police Department as well as U.S. Marshals Service which were instrumental in their arresting.