Violence escalates in Baltimore on Memorial Day weekend: Teenager dies, several injured

BALTIMORE – Shots were fired in western and southwest Baltimore over the weekend, injuring several people and killing a 17-year-old.

Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, there were three shootings in several parts of the city. In total, at least five people were shot.

Just before 3:45 p.m. Saturday, two children were shot. Baltimore Police received a ShotSpotter alert in the area of ​​900 N. Dukeland St. The 17-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital, while a 15-year-old boy was admitted for gunshot wounds. He is being treated for his injury.

Just before 11 a.m. Sunday morning, officers were on routine patrol in West Baltimore when they heard gunshots, according to a Baltimore City Police news release. After searching the area, officers found one victim in the 1800 block of Mosher St. and a second victim in the 800 block of N. Fulton Ave. Both suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital.

On Saturday morning, a 59-year-old man was shot and injured in southwest Baltimore after he allegedly tried to break into Praise Cathedral on South Mount St. The victim was taken to the hospital. The church is currently vacant but is undergoing renovations, according to police. The incident occurred just before 8 a.m.

WJZ spoke to neighbors in Southwest Baltimore who say their neighborhood has changed significantly over the years.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Spring, a woman who has lived in the area for several years. “It’s a complete turnaround. In the past, you could literally just sit outside on your porch, probably all night, and nothing would happen. That’s not possible anymore.”

One woman told us that she was awake at the time of the incidents and heard gunshots, but that it did not affect her morning. She says that hearing gunshots is normal for her.

“I was up at 8 o’clock and started my day doing my usual things. I heard gunshots, but the crazy thing is, when you live in this area, it’s like nothing happened. It’s sad but true,” Miranda Mahoney told WJZ.

Neighbors say that while this activity worries them, it is not driving them out of their neighborhood. Ben said he has lived in the area near W Pratt St for 75 years.

“I’ve gotten used to it, but I wouldn’t encourage anyone to just move to an area like this,” Ben said.

Mahoney says she has lived in the area for six years. She is homeless and the area is not as bad as some people say.

“There are shootings every day, but there’s a reason I’ve been here for six years. I’ve never had a problem. I’ve never been beaten up. I’ve never been followed because I mind my own business. I do what I do, but I’m respectful,” Mahoney said.

Other neighbors we spoke with say the neighborhood has changed significantly from decades ago – there is more violence and drug use. These neighbors are calling on police to increase patrols – especially on foot.

“There are no measures in place to prevent this, and we could actually use some foot traffic from the police,” Ben said.

“They’re not putting money into the city,” Mahoney said. “I love my city and I’m going to keep fighting for it.”

If you have any information about any of the three incidents, please contact Baltimore Police.

To reach the Western District Homicide Unit, call 410-396-2100. To reach the Western District Homicide Unit, call 410-396-247. To reach the Southwest District, call 410-396-2488.

If you would like to leave an anonymous tip, you can call Metro Crimestoppers at 1-866-7LockUp.