A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of two young siblings inside a Gwynn Oak, Maryland home, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough confirmed this week.
The teen, identified as Keith Maurice James Jr. of Baltimore, is now facing murder charges tied to the deaths of 9-year-old Steve Allen and his 15-year-old sister, Giovanna Myrie. The siblings were found shot inside a residence in the 6100 block of Talles Road on July 7.
Investigators say James was not a stranger to the victims. According to Chief McCullough, evidence suggests some kind of prior friendship or connection existed between the teen and the siblings, and he is believed to have been at the home earlier in the week before the shooting occurred.
James was arrested Wednesday after officers executed a warrant. He is currently being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center.
Officers had responded to the home around 7:30 p.m. after the children’s parents called 911 upon discovering their bodies inside the residence.
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klaumeier called it “a sad day” for the community and thanked investigators for moving quickly. Baltimore City Councilmember Julian Jones echoed similar sentiments, saying he was disturbed that someone so young could have both access to a firearm and the willingness to use it against two people.
Police have not disclosed the exact evidence or technology that led them to identify James as a suspect, though McCullough noted that county resources and investigative tools played a key role in the arrest.
The chief added that the case raises broader concerns about juvenile access to weapons and the importance of parents knowing who their children spend time with.
The victims were laid to rest earlier this week during a funeral attended by family and friends.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Baltimore County Police or Metro Crimestoppers. A cash reward is being offered for information leading to a conviction.
