12-Year-Old Girl Killed, 3 Injured in Baltimore Gunfire Near Youth Football Game
Authorities are searching for two suspects after a dispute over a parking space escalated into a shooting at Leon Day Park, striking four individuals, including a young girl.
A 12-year-old girl died and three adults sustained injuries after a dispute over a parking space led to a shooting near a youth football game in Baltimore, Maryland, authorities reported Saturday.
The incident occurred at Leon Day Park, where a youth football league was hosting its homecoming event. Police Commissioner Richard Worley stated that the girl was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. According to Worley, the confrontation began as an argument between two individuals before escalating to gunfire.
"What we know is that there was some type of argument between two cowards, and of course, they both opened fire on each other," Worley said. "In the crossfire, a 12-year-old little girl who was probably down there watching football was shot and killed."
Police responded to the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday following multiple reports of gunshots. Officers discovered a 25-year-old woman with a gunshot wound. The 12-year-old girl was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Two other individuals, a 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old man, sought medical attention at area hospitals for gunshot wounds. All three surviving victims were reported to be in stable condition.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting the tragic consequence of the dispute. "Two grown men got into an argument and now a 12-year-old is gone," he stated. "What happened out here today is one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen in my life."
Mayor Scott emphasized the profound impact the girl's death would have on her family, classmates, and the wider community, lamenting the loss of her potential. "We’re never gonna see her full potential. Her family’s gonna be hurting for this for the rest of their life. Her classmates are going to be hurting, her community’s going to be hurting."
As of Saturday evening, police were actively searching for at least two adult male suspects. No arrests had been made by late Saturday night. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact 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.