Baltimore County brother and sister identified after deadly shooting inside Gwynn Oak home
The search continues for a suspect in the deadly shooting of two children, ages 9 and 15, earlier this week inside their Baltimore County home.
The Baltimore County Police Department identified the victims Friday as 9-year-old Steve Allen and 15-year-old Giovanna Myrie.
Police and neighbors in the community were shocked by Tuesday's shooting on the 6100 block of Talles Road in Gwynn Oak.
"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 in a news conference.
"It's a very quiet area. And we walk, kids walk in this area, even adults, older people." said resident Shelly Roscoe. "So, this is very alarming to hear."
Western High School mourns Giovanna Myrie
WJZ-TV has learned the 15-year-old girl attended Western High School, where the community is heartbroken over the loss of their student and her brother.
"Our hearts are with the children's' family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragic loss. The family has asked for privacy and space as they grieve, and we respectfully ask that their wishes be honored," the school posted on social media. Counseling and other support services are available for any students and staff who need them. Out of respect for the family's request, we are not able to share any additional information at this time."
Fliers posted to social media said a memorial was scheduled Friday afternoon outside the school on Falls Road, but the event was canceled as the family asked for privacy.
Gwynn Oak shooting investigation
Baltimore County police said the children's parents arrived home around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and discovered the boy and girl, ages 9 and 15, had been shot. When officers arrived, they found the siblings dead.
The chief said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident. He wasn't ready to share whether anyone else was in the home at the time.
"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."
A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said that while preparing dinner Tuesday night, she heard someone screaming.
"I heard these horrific screams... I went to the window, and at that time, I saw a woman coming out -- bent over, coming from her house," she said.
The neighbor said she didn't know the family, but saw them often. She said they brought youthful energy to a neighborhood with older residents.
Other neighbors with Ring cameras nearby said they didn't pick up any unusual activity Tuesday afternoon.
Investigators are now reviewing evidence and pursuing leads, hoping to find the suspect soon.
In the meantime, the children's bodies have been taken to the chief medical examiner's office for autopsies.
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.
