A 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults were injured when two gunmen allegedly exchanged fire during an argument near a youth football event in Baltimore, Maryland, authorities said Saturday.
The girl appears to have been caught in the gunfire at Leon Day Park, where a youth football league was hosting its homecoming celebration, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said at a news briefing.
According to Worley, the confrontation between the two men may have begun over a parking spot.
“What we know is that there was some type of argument between two cowards, and of course, they both opened fire on each other,” Worley said.
A 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults were wounded after gunfire erupted near a youth football game at Leon Day Park in Baltimore, authorities said. (Baltimore Police Department)
“In the crossfire, a 12-year-old little girl who was probably down there watching football was shot and killed,” he said.
Police were still looking for at least two suspects, described as adult men, Saturday evening. No arrests had been reported by late Saturday night.
Baltimore police told News Outlet that officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road around 6:15 p.m. after receiving several calls about shots fired.
At the scene, officers found a 25-year-old woman with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. The 12-year-old girl was also taken to a hospital, where she later died.
Baltimore homicide detectives are investigating a shooting that authorities said left a 12-year-old girl dead and three other victims in stable condition. (Baltimore Police)
Police said a 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old man later arrived separately at nearby hospitals for treatment of gunshot injuries.
The three adults who survived the shooting were reported to be in stable condition.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the violence, saying the tragedy stemmed from two adults who failed to settle a disagreement without resorting to guns.
“Two grown men got into an argument and now a 12-year-old is gone,” he said.
A youth football homecoming event was underway at Leon Day Park in Baltimore on Oct. 3, 2026, when gunfire erupted, leaving a 12-year-old girl dead, according to city officials. (WBFF)
“What happened out here today is one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen in my life,” Scott said.
The mayor said the girl’s death would leave a lasting mark on her family, classmates and the wider Baltimore community, while expressing his condolences to her loved ones.
“We’re never gonna see her full potential,” he said. “Her family’s gonna be hurting for this for the rest of their life. Her classmates are going to be hurting, her community’s going to be hurting.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland.
