Full Breakdown
Shooting at Leon Day Park Leaves 12-Year-Old Girl Dead, Three Injured
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Saturday night, gunfire erupted in the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road at Leon Day Park during a youth football home-coming game. Police found a 12-year-old girl and a 25-year-old woman with gunshot wounds; the girl later died at a hospital. Two men, ages 23 and 28, received non-life-threatening treatment. Police Commissioner Richard Worley said officers responded at approximately 6:15 p.m. and that two male suspects are being sought. Two distinct cartridges were recovered at the scene.
Background & Context
Leon Day Park, named for the Negro League player who grew up in the neighborhood, hosts the Charm City Buccaneers youth football league. The incident occurred during the league’s home-coming event, a tradition the organization says has run for 29 years without violence. Officials indicated the shooting likely stemmed from an argument over a parking space that escalated when the two men opened fire on each other.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 1 (12-year-old girl)
- Injured adults: 3 (25-year-old woman, 23-year-old man, 28-year-old man)
- Evidence: two separate gun cartridges recovered
- Suspects: two adult males, ages not released, believed to have exchanged fire over a parking dispute
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Brandon M. Scott condemned the incident as “disgusting, heartbreaking, and unacceptable,” and pledged that city officials will work to hold those responsible accountable. Coach Mark Brown of the Charm City Buccaneers stressed that the league had no involvement, calling the shooters “miscellaneous outsiders” and noting the organization’s long-standing commitment to youth safety.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses said the shooting broke out while the football game was in progress. Parents described the girl as likely watching from the sidelines when the crossfire occurred. Several families remained on site after the incident, with tents, food, and balloon displays still set up. Local residents recalled a recent spate of shootings in Baltimore, including a separate incident the previous month that left a 3-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl among seven victims.
Why It Matters / Impact
The death of a child during a community sports event has intensified calls for stricter gun-control measures and improved conflict-resolution resources in Baltimore. The shooting also underscores ongoing public-safety challenges in the city as law-enforcement agencies continue to investigate recent shootings with few arrests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A 12-year-old little girl, who was probably down there watching football, was shot and killed,” — Richard Worley, police commissioner
- “What happened out here today is one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen in my life,” — Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore mayor
- “What happened tonight is disgusting, heartbreaking, and unacceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragedy. We will do everything in our power to hold those responsible accountable,” — Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore mayor