A tragic story unfolded in Middle River, Maryland, where a mother is accused of killing her 11-year-old daughter after previously harming the family’s pets in a disturbing attempt to scare the child. The woman, 34-year-old Keyona Dillon, is now facing a first-degree murder charge, according to police in Baltimore County.
The incident, filled with heartbreaking and shocking details, began on a quiet Thursday morning. Keyona went to a neighbor’s house in Middle River, a small community near Baltimore, and reportedly told them her daughter, 11-year-old London Olsen, was dead in the basement of their home.
Police officers responded to a 911 call around noon about a cardiac arrest at a house on Firethorn Road. What they discovered was deeply unsettling. Inside the basement, London was found lifeless, with blood around her mouth and bruises covering her body. Officers also noticed a mark on her neck, which suggested she had been strangled, and there was blood on the floor nearby. Investigators believe that a plastic drain cleaner was used in the act.
When questioned, Keyona’s behavior raised more concerns. According to police, she acted erratically and made bizarre statements, claiming she was being set up by various groups and mentioning unrelated topics like child exploitation rings and political groups. However, as detectives dug deeper, a troubling narrative began to emerge.
Keyona reportedly believed, without evidence, that her daughter was involved in a sexual relationship with the father of her other three children. Authorities confirmed there was no proof to support this claim. No signs of sexual abuse or forced entry into the home were found. In fact, only Keyona and her children, including London, were in the house at the time.
Adding to the horror, police discovered four dead pets in the home: a dog, a rabbit, and two cats. Keyona allegedly admitted to killing the animals to frighten London, threatening her with the same fate if she didn’t “tell the truth” about the fabricated relationship. Her 5-year-old daughter later told investigators that she had seen her mother use a hammer and her knee to kill the pets the night before London’s death. The young child also claimed she witnessed her mother choking London in the basement.
At her bail hearing, Keyona made more bizarre statements. She insisted on representing herself, refused a public defender, and claimed her rights were violated. She even said she was an “indigenous sovereign of the land” and objected to DNA collection. The judge ordered a mental health evaluation for her.
London’s aunt shared a heartbreaking account on social media, saying she had repeatedly contacted child welfare authorities about Keyona’s alarming behavior. She said it took several days before anyone took action, and by the time a welfare check was initiated on January 22, it was too late. London was found dead the next day. The aunt expressed frustration, wondering why help didn’t come sooner despite the clear signs of danger.
Currently, Keyona is being held without bond in the Baltimore County Detention Center. This tragic case has left the community shaken and raises serious questions about how such a horrific situation could have been prevented.