Police in Baltimore County are searching for a suspect after a boy, nine, and his 15-year-old sister were found shot dead in their Gwynn Oak home on Tuesday evening.
Two children have been found shot dead inside a home in the Gwynn Oak area of Baltimore County, with police now searching for a suspect and offering a $2,000 reward for information. According to Baltimore County Police, the children’s parents arrived home at around 7.30pm on Tuesday and discovered that their son and daughter, aged nine and 15, had been shot; officers who attended the scene confirmed both children were dead. Detectives believe the pair were siblings. Patrols in the neighbourhood have been increased as the investigation continues.
Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, addressing a news conference on Tuesday night, said such a crime was virtually unheard of in the area, where officers more typically respond to complaints about noise or speeding. He offered condolences to the children’s family, their neighbourhood and other children who had known them, and said detectives believed the shooting to be an isolated incident, though he declined to confirm whether anyone else had been inside the home at the time. McCullough said the investigation was ongoing and pledged that every resource would be directed towards solving the case.
Councilman Julian Jones, who represents Gwynn Oak, released a statement on Wednesday describing the shooting as heartbreaking and saying there was no act more cruel than the killing of a child. He expressed continued confidence in Baltimore County Police as they pursue the investigation, and said the children had deserved the chance to grow up and pursue their own lives, adding that justice was the least that could now be offered to their family.
A neighbour, who asked not to be identified, said she had been preparing dinner on Tuesday evening when she heard screaming outside. “I heard these horrific screams,” she said, adding that she then went to her window and saw a woman coming out of the house nearby, doubled over. The neighbour said she did not know the family well but had often seen them around the street since they moved to nearby Talles Road; their arrival, she said, had brought a welcome burst of youthful energy — and real joy to those living nearby — in a neighbourhood mostly made up of older residents.
Another resident, Shelly Roscoe, said she had driven past the house on Wednesday in disbelief after hearing what had happened, describing the situation as devastating and frightening given that the person responsible remained unidentified. She said she hoped whoever was responsible would be caught soon.
Investigators are continuing to review evidence and follow leads in the case. Police said neighbours with Ring doorbell cameras in the area had not captured any unusual activity on Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Baltimore County Police on 410-887-3943 or 410-887-3700, or Metro Crimestoppers on 1-866-7LOCKUP. A $2,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
