Suspect in killing of Baltimore teen Jada Sellers kills self when SWAT arrives to execute warrant
The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) said on Friday that the man sought in the killing of Baltimore teen Jada Sellers killed himself at a residence where a SWAT team went to execute a search warrant.
The warrant was served on Thursday around 8:30 p.m. for 18-year-old Christian Hursey. He was wanted in connection with the July 31, 2026, shooting death of 17-year-old Jada Sellers in the 700 block of Lyndhurst Street.
"Upon entering the residence, officers heard a single gunshot coming from the basement," BPD said in a statement. "Officers immediately responded and located 18-year-old Christian Hursey suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hursey was pronounced deceased at the scene."
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, said, "Last night's events mark a tragic ending to an already tragic case, in which two young people lost their lives to senseless gun violence."
He added, "The Baltimore Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of Jada Sellers and all those involved. While the circumstances surrounding their deaths are very different, both families are now left to grieve the devastating loss of two young people. Our thoughts remain with them during this incredibly difficult time."
Sellers' cousin told CBS News Baltimore that she and Hursey used to be in a relationship and he was known to her family.
"Jada's mom and dad opened their doors to him, allowed him to come in and really embraced him as family," said Heber Brown III.
Sellers, a 17-year-old student at Milford Mill Academy, was shot just after midnight on July 31 in Southwest Baltimore. She died nearly two weeks later, surrounded by loved ones at University of Maryland Medical Center.
Sellers was the vice president of her school's Student Government Association and a member of the National Honor Society. Her cousin said she also loved dance and cheer, and she had a supportive family and lots of friends.
"So many people, especially Jada's friends, they are online sharing information. They are connecting the dots. They're like little detectives and they're very motivated," Brown said Friday.
He said the family is holding onto their faith, community and the hope for justice.
"When the arrest is made, and we believe it will be made, that's just another step in the journey. That's not a trophy by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a very important next step, and we're gonna go step by step throughout this whole process," said Brown.
On Thursday, police announced an $11,500 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest in the case. To report a tip, call 1-866-7Lockup.
