By DaQuan Lawrence, Ph.D.
AFRO International Writer
DLawrence@afro.com
A teenager has been arrested in connection with the lethal shooting of two siblings in Gwynn Oak, Md., earlier this month, officials with the Baltimore County Police Department announced July 22.
Keith Maurice James Jr., 16, was arrested and charged by county detectives in the homicides of 15-year-old Giovanna Myrie and 9-year-old Steven Allen on July 7. The children were discovered by their mother, Reesa Robinson after being fatally shot at their home on the 6100 block of Talles Road.
The Baltimore County government released a statement declaring that James is being charged as an adult and would be held without bond. Based on Baltimore County District Court records, James appeared via video in court and his attorney waived his request for a bond hearing.
The announcement of the arrest via social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram was made prior to a public safety town hall meeting held at the Randallstown Community Center on July 22. Several county officials were present, including Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCollough, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier and Councilman Julian Jones.
Baltimore County police said they are still conducting an investigation as they have yet to identify a motive. James is suspected to have had some form of relationship with Myrie, as it is believed that the two teenagers were associated during the past few months.
The AFRO previously reported that Giovanna, also known as “Gigi,” was a student at Western High School in Baltimore, the nation’s oldest public high school exclusively for girls. Allen was known as a multi-cultural youth who loved to play Roblox, enjoyed TikTok and sports.
Those interested in providing tips and information that will assist with the ongoing investigation can do so through the Baltimore County Police Department’s iWatch program.
