A 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults were wounded after two men allegedly exchanged gunfire near a youth football homecoming at Leon Day Park in Baltimore. Authorities say the dispute began over a parking space and that the girl was caught in the crossfire. Police are searching for at least two adult suspects while homicide detectives continue the investigation; tips can be reported to 410-396-2100 or 1-866-7LOCKUP.
12-Year-Old Fatally Shot Near Baltimore Youth Football Homecoming; Three Adults Wounded
Baltimore Police car
A 12-year-old girl was fatally shot and three adults were wounded after two men allegedly exchanged gunfire during a dispute near a youth football homecoming event at Leon Day Park in Baltimore, Maryland, authorities said Saturday.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said the preteen appears to have been caught in the crossfire while attending the event. According to police, officers responded to the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road at about 6:15 p.m. after multiple reports of gunfire.
Baltimore homicide detectives are investigating a shooting that authorities said left a 12-year-old girl dead and three other victims in stable condition.
Victims and Response
Officers located a 25-year-old woman at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound. The 12-year-old girl was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead. Two other male victims, a 28-year-old and a 23-year-old, separately presented to local hospitals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds; police described all three surviving victims as in stable condition.
What Officials Say
Commissioner Worley said the confrontation reportedly began over a parking space and escalated when both men opened fire. 'What we know is that there was some type of argument between two cowards, and of course, they both opened fire on each other,' he said. 'In the crossfire, a 12-year-old little girl who was probably down there watching football was shot and killed.'
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott called the shooting 'one of the most disgusting things I have ever seen' and warned the loss will have a lasting impact on the victim's family, classmates and community. 'Two grown men got into an argument and now a 12-year-old is gone,' he said.
Investigation
Homicide detectives are investigating. Police said they are searching for at least two suspects described as adult men; no arrests had been announced as of late Saturday night. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact Baltimore homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland.
The community and event organizers were left reeling after an outing meant for youth sports and celebration turned tragic. Officials urged witnesses to come forward to help hold those responsible accountable.
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