Full Breakdown
Tragic Shooting at Baltimore’s Leon Day Park Claims Life of 12-Year-Old Girl
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday evening, gunfire erupted at Leon Day Park in West Baltimore during a youth football homecoming 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 adult men, ages 23 and 28, and the woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Officers identified two male suspects who allegedly exchanged fire after an argument over a parking space.
Background & Context
Leon Day Park was hosting a community football league event that draws families and local youth each year. According to league coach Mark Brown, the league has operated for 29 years without similar incidents and aims to provide a safe environment for children. Investigators say the confrontation began over a “stupid parking spot,” escalating into an exchange of gunfire that caught the girl in the crossfire.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 1 (the 12-year-old girl)
- Injured adults: 3 (a 25-year-old woman, a 23-year-old man, a 28-year-old man) – all listed in stable condition
- Suspects: at least two male gunmen are being sought; police have recovered two different cartridge types at the scene
- Time of incident: approximately 6:15 p.m. Saturday evening
- Location: 1200 block of North Franklintown Road, Leon Day Park; the road was temporarily closed for investigation
Official Statements & Responses
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley described the incident as a “argument between two cowards” that led to both men opening fire on each other, resulting in the child’s death. He emphasized that the girl was not the intended target and noted that investigators are pursuing multiple leads while urging witnesses to contact police or Metro Crime Stoppers.
He reiterated the city’s commitment to safety and asked residents to assist the investigation.
Coach Mark Brown stressed that the youth league had no involvement, describing the shooters as “miscellaneous outsiders” and noting the event was avoidable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Two grown men got into an argument, and now a 12-year-old is gone,” — Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott
- “A 12-year-old little girl, who was probably down there watching football, was shot and killed,” — Richard Worley, baltimore police commissioner
- “Two grown men, or so-called men, got into an argument, and now this baby is gone, never going to see her full potential," Scott said.” — Brandon Scott, baltimore mayor
- “What we know is there was some type of argument between two cowards,” — Richard Worley, baltimore police commissioner
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All outlets agree that two men were involved and that the dispute stemmed from a parking disagreement. The exact number of shots fired and the identities of the suspects remain unknown, and no arrests have been reported.
What’s Next
Baltimore homicide detectives continue to seek information, urging anyone with details to call 410-396-2100 or submit anonymous tips via Metro Crime Stoppers (1-866-7LOCKUP). The investigation remains active, and the road surrounding Leon Day Park stays closed pending further forensic processing.