Thursday, October 22, 2020
Kai Reed, WBAL-TV 11
BALTIMORE — A 16-year-old is dead and a 12-year-old boy is recovering after a shooting in southwest Baltimore on Wednesday afternoon, police said.
There was so much sadness and anger at that scene. It was clear that some of the people standing around knew the 16-year-old, and neighbors said they’re disgusted and fed up.
Hours after the shooting, devastated neighbors watched as detectives investigated the scene at Poplar Grove Street and Lafayette Avenue in southwest Baltimore.
Officers found the 16-year-old boy fatally shot in the middle of the street just before 3:30 p.m. Police then discovered the 12-year-old boy shot in the foot.
Neighbors, who didn’t want to be identified, talked about their frustration with the violence in the area, which they say is consistent and senseless.
“It’s sad. We’re losing our babies by the dozen and it seems like it’s getting worse and worse by the day,” one neighbor said.
“It’s scary to come out. And it makes you not want to come outside because this is the second young person to get murdered up here, on this same block,” another neighbor said.
Detectives placed at least 40 bullet markers in the street as they investigated.
The shooting happened just outside a corner store, right next to an elementary school and across the street from a church.
“It could be my son. That’s the hurt feelings. How I got to knock on your door and tell your parents ‘Your son, your child is gone’? That’s heavy,” another neighbor said.
Police said the 16-year-old boy was shot multiple times. Fortunately, the 12-year-old is expected to survive.
Police haven’t given a possible motive and they’re still looking for the suspect.
“When are we going to have to stop saying, ‘I’m so sorry this happened’ and get back with each other? Start caring about each other?” one neighbor said. “It’s ridiculous. It’s ridiculous.”
As police investigate, they say they need help from the community.
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-LOCKUP.
