Ring was waiting around 4 p.m. Saturday to make a purchase inside Charing Cross Liquors in the 5200 block of Baltimore National Pike, when Briggs stabbed her in the neck from behind and fled, police said. Ring was pronounced dead at University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

“This is a tragic case that has taken the life of a young woman — an innocent victim in our community,” said Baltimore County Police Chief James Johnson. “… Members of the community are rightfully alarmed and concerned, but I think the public can be assured that we put forth a great police investigative effort.”

Detectives identified Briggs after physical evidence and video images of him were caught on security cameras in the shopping center. Police also obtained undisclosed physical evidence at Briggs’ house, investigators said.

Since June 2007, Ring worked for Cristo Rey Jesuit High School community in the Corporate Internship Program that places students with local businesses. Ring also was attending classes at Anne Arundel Community College.

The Rev. John Swope, the school’s president, said he hoped the arrest would prevent other innocent victims from being attacked.

“If this man attacked Aysha in such an indiscriminate way, there could be other people in danger as well,” he said.

“This will be very important to Aysha’s parents, but it will be a small consolation to them, because it will not bring their daughter back.”

Detectives say they don’t know Briggs’ motive, and he was denied bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center. 

[email protected]