ROSEDALE, Md. (WMAR) — A 13-year-old boy was killed and five others were injured during an overnight shooting in Baltimore County.
"This level of violence is unacceptable. We had children that were shot last night," said Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt.
The night started at a high school March Madness party at the Triple Threat Elite Dance studio at the Kenwood Shopping Center in Rosedale. Teens there said when they came outside, they were met with a barrage of gunfire.
"I just heard 'boom, boom, boom,' and then I turned the corner and I see Rickie on the floor," said Mailaki.
Mailaki and his friends darted into the woods for cover. Their friend, 13-year-old Rickie Forehand, and five others were shot in the parking lot.
Baltimore County Police responded when they got the call just after midnight. When they arrived, multiple shooting victims approached them for help.
Five teens were taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries and Forehand was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, the five victims, two 12-year-old boys, one 14-year-old girl, one 14-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were released from the hospital late on Sunday and are recovering from their gunshot wounds at home.
Detectives believe the shooting victims were attending an event at the Triple Threat Elite Dance studio. As the victims left the event, they were approached by several suspects in the parking lot. An altercation ensued then multiple shots were fired towards the group, hitting six of them.
“I join Baltimore County residents in praying for the family of Rickie Forehand as well as a quick and full recovery of all the other victims of last night's senseless incident," said County Executive John Olszewski.
"Having a 13-year-old victim is both devastating and absolutely unspeakable," said Hyatt.
Homicide detectives are interviewing numerous people from the event and searching for any video surveillance in the area.
The suspect(s) fled the scene before police arrived.
Police are diligently investigating this crime and are asking the community for any information or video footage from that night. Detectives believe somebody has information on the shooter(s) and are asking them to come forward.
The Baltimore County Police Homicide Unit is continuing the investigation into this incident. Anyone with information should call 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.
