Brother and sister, ages 9 and 15, found shot to death in Baltimore County home
Two children, ages 9 and 15, were found shot to death inside their home in Gwynn Oak, Maryland on Tuesday evening. Police believe they were brother and sister. There have been no arrests.
According to Baltimore County Police, the parents arrived home around 7:30 p.m., found the children shot and called police. When officers arrived, they found the boy and girl dead.
"Something that doesn't happen in this community"
The chief said the worst complaints they receive in the area are for speeding and noise.
"I've seen a lot of things in my career, but this is horrific, it's tragic, and something that doesn't happen in this community," Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said at a news conference. "These are two lives that have been snuffed out before they could even get started."
Brittany Handsel, who lives nearby, was shocked by the police presence.
"It is very concerning," Handsel said. "This is not usual for this neighborhood. This is normally an extremely quiet street. Normally, there is not this much police activity, if at all."
Handsel told CBS News Baltimore she saw lights and heard sirens when police arrived.
"I think any time anything like this happens, it is devastating," she said. "It's not something that should happen. When it hits your neighborhood, that's an extra level of concern."
Councilman Julian Jones, who represents part of Gwynn Oak, released a statement, reading in part, "There is no act more cruel or more senseless than the murder of a child."
"These children deserved the chance to grow up, to pursue their dreams, and to live full lives. Justice is the very least we can offer their family now," his statement continued.
Police stepping up patrols, offering $2,000 reward
McCullough said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident, but police are searching for a suspect and stepping up patrols in the neighborhood.
"We've tragically lost two juveniles," he said. "My heart goes out to this family. My heart goes out to this neighborhood. My heart goes out to the other children who may have gone to school or played with these two youths."
The chief said he wasn't ready to share if anyone else was in the home at the time of the shooting.
"We are continuing to investigate this. I promise you that we will put every resource and every effort to try and solve this crime," said McCullough. "Never have I seen something like this before in this neighborhood."
Anyone with information is urged to call Baltimore County Police at 410-887-3943 or 410-887-3700, or Metro Crimestoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. A $2,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
