A 12-year-old girl died Saturday evening after being struck by gunfire in the crossfire of an argument between two men at a Baltimore park hosting a youth football homecoming event.
Baltimore police responded to Leon Day Park in the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road around 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 3. Officers found the girl and a 25-year-old woman suffering from gunshot wounds. The girl was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The woman and two men, ages 23 and 28, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and sought treatment at area hospitals.
Police Commissioner Richard Worley said the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a parking spot. "There was some type of argument between two cowards, and of course they both opened fire on each other," Worley stated at a news conference. "In the crossfire, a 12-year-old little girl, who was probably down there watching football, was shot and killed."
Worley described the suspects as adult men and said investigators were seeking at least two individuals. No arrests had been reported as of early Sunday. Police continue to process the scene and appeal for witnesses to contact authorities or Metro Crime Stoppers.
The incident took place during a youth football league's homecoming activities at the park. Coach Mark Brown of the Charm City Buccaneers told local media that the event had been proceeding normally until the gunfire erupted.
Mayor Brandon Scott called the shooting "disgusting, heartbreaking, and unacceptable" and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. The girl's identity has not been released pending notification of family.
This marks another instance of gun violence impacting children in Baltimore, where police and city leaders have faced ongoing challenges with street-level disputes escalating rapidly.
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