An Owings Mills father was shot and killed in a Montgomery County shooting Monday. One neighbor told WMAR 2 News he was a devoted father and worker.
Shotwell was a well-liked carpenter for Your Home Solution. He was a father and husband. Shotwell was on a job when the shooting happened.
"I found out this morning and I'm still in shock," said Bryan Hamilton, a friend, and neighbor of Shotwell's.
"He was just a nice man. Genuinely a nice guy. He went to work, loved his kids, you could see him out riding four-wheelers every now and then and it's just a crying shame."
And Hamilton is not the only one who feels this way, another close friend of Shotwell sent WMAR-2 News the following statement:
“Craig was the epitome of what is right with this world. He prided himself on his home improvement business that he started with his partner. He was so proud of all the work he did on his client’s homes. More importantly, he was always sure to do things the right way. During his many jobs, he would often find examples of prior contractor’s shoddy or unsafe work (which he took great offense to) and would not only repair it the right way, but he also wanted to document it on his website so that others would hopefully be able to benefit from his knowledge. Additionally, he recently began documenting some common house repairs in his “Contractor Craig” series on YouTube. His hope was that he could help the average Joe do some of their own house work, rather than get overcharged by untrustworthy contractors as is all too common nowadays. He was always willing to help out someone in need. He repeatedly completed odd jobs for neighbors and friends and would refuse payment, simply because he could. He was the most dedicated father we have ever known. His kids were his world. Whenever he mentioned them (which was often), his eyes would light up and you could tell that they were his reason for working so hard and for treating everyone with so much respect; he wanted to teach them how to be great people. Everyone that meets them can see that he has already succeeded in that. He was very good at reading people and knew what they needed, whether that be an ear to listen, some great advice or just a hug. Craig was loved and/or admired by everyone he met. His infectious smile and laugh would instantly fill the room with happiness. His work ethic was second to none and the love he had for his family and friends was so immense that it is impossible to put into words. He will be dearly missed by every life that he touched."
Shotwell was working at a home in the 22000 block of Brown Farm Way in Brookeville Monday afternoon.
Police say, Christopher Snyder, came into that home and shot and killed him and two others, Mary Olson the homeowner and her out of town guest, Danny Murphy.
"You don't expect to go to work and get murdered," said Hamilton.
Three others managed to get out including Snyder's wife who told police she was being held against her will and escaped to Olson's home. Hamilton said Shotwell's partner, Mike, was one of the people who made it out.
"I don't know if you could put it into words. It's just shocking. you just do not expect that, especially doing construction, doing carpentry work," Hamilton said.
Police say Snyder went back to his home across the street and kept police on an hours-long standoff that lasted until about 11:00 p.m. That's when teams came in and Snyder shot and killed himself.
One of Shotwell's children goes to Liberty Christian School in Owings Mills. The other victims, Mary Olson, the homeowner, also has ties to the school Leaders there expect to have crisis counselors on site for students and their families in the coming days.
