BALTIMORE COUNTY — Baltimore County police announce they have made an arrest in a shooting that killed two siblings in Gwynn Oak.
'Troubling': Teen arrested in fatal shooting of two siblings in Gwynn Oak
Keith Maurice James Jr., 16, has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of the siblings.
Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough says the suspect was known to the victims. He has been charged as an adult.
"It took longer than I wanted it to; however, we had to make sure that we put together a very airtight case considering the age of the suspect in this case," said McCullough.
McCullough says James was at the home a few days prior to the shooting as well. He didn't specify what the relationship was between the victims and the suspect, but says this highlights issues with dating violence.
"We need to make sure we know who our kids are associating with. The final issue is dating violence, teen violence between people who have relationships. We need to be mindful of those things," said McCullough.
On July 7, police responded to the 6100 block of Talles Road for a report of a shooting.
When they arrived, they found 9-year-old Steve Allen and 15-year-old Giovanna Myrie shot dead in the home. They were laid to rest at a funeral service one day before the arrest announcement.
"When you consider how horrific this crime was carried out, it was terrible. When you reflect on the fact that a child who had just turned 16 carried out this crime and did it in the manner he did, it's troubling," said McCullough.
Police say the parents returned home to find the siblings dead and called 911.
McCullough said the worst calls police typically respond to in the area are speeding and noise complaints.
James is currently being held in the Baltimore County Detention Center without bail.
