Local
West Baltimore shootings renew safety concerns despite citywide drop in violence
Baltimore has recorded 14 fewer homicides and five fewer nonfatal shootings than at the same point last year, police data shows. But two recent West Baltimore shootings killed three people, including a 12-year-old girl, prompting residents and a community leader to call for stronger neighborhood engagement.
BALTIMORE — Citywide homicides and nonfatal shootings are down from last year, but a pair of deadly shootings in West Baltimore has renewed concerns among residents about violence in their neighborhoods.
Baltimore Police Department data shows 89 homicides across the city’s nine police districts so far this year, 14 fewer than at the same point last year. Nonfatal shootings are down by five, according to the figures cited by police.
Five districts account for 63 of this year’s homicides. The Southwestern and Western districts each have 14, followed by the Southern District with 13. The Northern and Northwestern districts each have 11.
The recent violence includes two shootings about a week apart that left three people dead, among them 12-year-old Khloe Ishway, who was killed by a stray bullet at Leon Day Park on Franklintown Road.
On Friday, a shooting near Oakhurst Place and Ellicott Drive left two men dead and two others wounded. Police identified the men as Wesley Harris, 19, and Donte Gregory, 18. Investigators were still searching for suspects.
Kendra, a neighbor who gave only her first name, said she worries that violence is worsening in the area. She said young people from other neighborhoods are coming into the small communities and “almost setting up shop.”
Dr. Al Hathaway, president of Beloved Community Services Corporation, said residents should be able to feel safe and urged neighbors to build stronger connections and make their presence known.
“We got to talk to one another,” Hathaway said. “We cannot allow for persons to walk through our neighborhoods anonymously.”
He called for more frequent conversations and visible community involvement, saying people who might harm neighborhoods should understand that violence will not be accepted. The recent shootings, he said, are a reminder that the work of strengthening Baltimore’s communities cannot slow down.