Witness says 16-year-old student 'cried for help' after deadly NE Baltimore shooting
BALTIMORE -- Detectives went door to door in the 1800-block of East 29th Street Monday as they searched for information in the killing of a 16-year-old boy, one of at least five teenagers shot and killed in Baltimore City since the beginning of the year.
One witness told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren the incident was "terrifying" and said she heard five gunshots and watched the teen take his final breaths. She asked that her name not be used.
Tonight on @wjz, she saw 16yo Edmondson Westside High student Andres Moreno Junior drop to the ground after he was shot last night.
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) February 6, 2023
The teen later died.
5 students from the same school were shot last month—one of them died. pic.twitter.com/nH5D15K9sx
She told Hellgren his last word was "help."
"I saw him hit the [ground] and he just died. …He kept crying for help."
Police identified the victim as Andres Moreno, Junior. Friends online mourned the teenager they knew as Dre.
"He died right in front of me, and he's a child. He didn't do anything wrong. He was minding his own business walking home," the witness said.
WJZ has confirmed Moreno was a student at Edmondson-Westside High School. Five students were shot near the school last month.
He is one of at least five teenagers who have been murdered in Baltimore this year.
Their loved ones don't want you to forget their names: D'Asia Garrison, Laron Henderson, Aaron Dorsey and Deanta Dorsey, who also attended Edmondson Westside.
“My grandson’s blood is on the streets of Baltimore City. I will not rest until justice is done”Powerful words from the grandmother of 16yo Deanta Dorsey, killed at Edmondson Village Shopping Center, as she demands action in the case. “Governor Wes, please help us!” @wjz pic.twitter.com/TtsNifgKiW
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) January 25, 2023
Even though an alarming number of young people have lost their lives, overall homicides are down almost 33 percent, with 27 killings in the city this year compared to 40 at this time last year.
We asked Commissioner Harrison about young people getting shot and killed in Baltimore—and what can be done. @wjz pic.twitter.com/bt4D9nbtaK
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) January 26, 2023
Non-fatal shootings are down by 21 percent, with 63 at this point last year compared to 50 so far in 2023.
But that is little comfort to those touched by the recent bloodshed.
"Nobody deserves that. Nobody deserves that at all," said the person who heard Moreno cry out for help. "What did he do wrong? I don't get it."