Family seeks police footage of Baltimore County crash that killed a man and 2 children
The family of a 9-year-old who was killed in a crash after a traffic stop in Baltimore County is requesting the dashcam footage from police, according to an attorney.
The crash on Saturday, April 5, occurred after a car took off from a traffic stop, Maryland State Police said.
A trooper pulled a vehicle over on I-695 around 11 p.m., but officials said the driver left the scene.
According to officials, the trooper deactivated his emergency lights and did not chase the vehicle. However, after continuing to drive, the trooper later found the vehicle on fire off the ramp leading to I-83.
Troopers believe the driver was trying to exit on the ramp when they lost control, hit an embankment, and then hit a tree before catching on fire.
A 36-year-old man and two 9-year-old girls died. One of the children has been identified as Bailee Brooks, according to her family.
Requesting dashcam footage
The Brooks family's attorney, Thiru Vignarajah, said Friday that they will ask Maryland State Police for any footage from the crash.
"The day that started like so many Saturdays with fun plans for best friends," said Vignarajah. "For the family to be able to say more about what happened, they want the investigation to proceed, but they also want the family and the public to come to understand what is known about it."
According to Vignarajah, the family hopes the footage will provide a clearer understanding of what happened leading up to the deadly incident.
"Even as they mourn and heal, the family is committed to seeking transparency and accountability," Vignarajah said. "The release of this footage will provide much-needed clarity for everyone."
Nearly a week following the crash, Brooks's great-uncle Will Hanna stood beside Vignarajah in a press conference to speak on behalf of his family.
"You know we can't put a price on the value that Bailee meant to our family," said Will Hanna. "We miss our beloved Bailee, but there are three families that are hurting here as well."
Vignarajah and the Brooks family will hold a news conference Friday afternoon.
"But nothing can change or bring back the horror of the last seven days," said Vignarajah. "And one of the dangers of unanswered questions is people start filling in the blank spaces with assumptions of their own. Bailee and her best friends were with a trusted relative."
School community mourns two beloved students
Lutherville Laboratory Elementary School identified both Bailee Brooks and Serenity Gross as two of their students involved in the crash on Thursday.
In a letter to the school community, the principal wrote how heartbroken they are and how much Bailee and Serenity meant to them, their teachers, and their friends.
The school provides resources and support for students who need counsel.
"As a school family, we extend our deepest sympathy to Bailee and Serenity's friends, teachers, and loved ones," wrote Sean McComb, Lutherville Lab's principal. "We are working in partnership with our PTA and the families on an opportunity to honor Bailee and Serenity and will be in touch with more information as it becomes available."
The Heart of Bailee Brooks Scholarship Fund
Hanna also confirmed that Bailee's dance program, The Charm School Project For Girls, set up a scholarship fund in her honor.
"The family is asking in lieu of flowers, in lieu of anything, to donate to that scholarship fund to help some other children," said Hanna.
According to the scholarship's website, this fund will provide financial support to young girls who wish to attend Charm School but may not have the means.
"Through this scholarship, Bailee's light will continue to shine, helping others grow in confidence, character, and charm—just as she did," the scholarship fund website stated. "Bailee will forever be remembered and cherished. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of her Charm School sisters and all those who had the blessing of knowing her. She is, and will always be, a Charm Girl."
