MD: ARREST IN SHOOTING DEATHS OF YOUNG SIBLINGS
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RANDALLSTOWN, Maryland (WBAL) — Detectives arrested a teenager in the fatal double shooting of two young siblings in Gwynn Oak earlier this month, Baltimore County police announced Wednesday.
The arrest is connected to the July 7 fatal shooting of Giovanna Myrie, 15, and Steve Allen, 9, at their Talles Road home.
Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier and Councilman Julian Jones made the announcement before Wednesday evening’s public safety town hall meeting at the Randallstown Community Center.
County police said detectives arrested Keith Maurice James Jr., 16, of Baltimore, who will be charged as an adult. (This is an updated name from what police first released.)
The chief said detectives served an arrest warrant Wednesday morning and took the teenager into custody in West Baltimore, saying that he is known to the victims and that James had “some sort of relationship” with Myrie.
The chief said investigators followed the evidence to identify James as a suspect but they have yet to identify a motive.
“He was on camera in several ways throughout the community,” McCullough said. “He had been in the area prior to the crime, and of course, he was in the area after the crime.”
During the news conference, the chief referenced concerns he has coming from this case.
“This case also highlights for me a couple issues, one is juvenile violence itself, violence by juveniles on other juveniles, and it also highlights the point that, as parents, we need to make sure that we know who our kids are associating with,” McCullough said. “It’s just dating violence, teen violence between people who have relationships, so we need to be mindful of those things.”
People at a public safety town hall gave WBAL-TV 11 News their thoughts on the news.
“I would have never expected a 16 year-old to have perpetrated a crime like that,” said a person at the town hall.
As the investigation continues, they are praying for the family of the victims.
“I think it’s a very sad situation and my condolences go out to the family,” said a resident.
“My heart goes out to you, I can’t imagine the grief you’re carrying,” said another resident.
“I think it’s a very sad situation and my condolences go out to the family,” another person told WBAL-TV 11 News.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-887-INFO or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP. Information provided by phone or online through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Residents may also provide details about this crime through the Baltimore County Police Department’s iWATCH program.
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