TOWSON, Md. — Authorities in Baltimore County are investigating a shooting incident and subsequent car crash that resulted in one fatality and nine injuries on Tuesday evening. Law enforcement is probing whether this incident is linked to a homicide that occurred earlier this month in the area.
All ten victims were discovered inside a flipped SUV that ignited after the crash outside a funeral home. A funeral service for 19-year-old Andrew Blessing had concluded just hours before the incident at another location several miles away. Blessing was shot and killed on December 9 in the same suburban vicinity located north of Baltimore.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough stated that detectives have not ruled out a link between the two occurrences. It was noted that the funeral home seemed to be closed during Tuesday’s incident. McCullough remarked, “At this point, nothing has been ruled out. We are examining all serious crimes that have taken place in that area.”
Officials have indicated that they believe the shooting was intentional, with the individuals involved likely knowing one another. “We do not believe this was a random act of violence,” McCullough stated.
The deceased individual has been identified as 26-year-old Charles Graham Jr. The injured victims are aged between 14 and 27, with a majority being teenagers. The funeral home’s facade was damaged by some of the gunfire, and reports of gunshots were received from other areas as well. McCullough characterized the shooting as a “rolling type of gun situation,” indicating that it began several blocks away before culminating outside the funeral home. The overturned vehicle was discovered by police following reports of gunfire.
Of the survivors, eight sustained gunshot wounds. “At the moment, we haven’t confirmed whether this is gang-related,” McCullough explained. “We are aware of the existence of rival individuals in this situation. Our objective is to get to the bottom of what transpired.”
He further noted that the individuals involved may have a connection to Blessing and his family. An online obituary reveals that Blessing’s family was preparing for a visitation and funeral service on Tuesday afternoon. He leaves behind a daughter and numerous relatives.
The shooting was reported around 7:15 p.m., and firefighters extinguished the vehicle blaze while providing assistance to the victims as police initiated their investigation. McCullough stated that detectives are striving to obtain cooperation from victims and witnesses. He assured the community that patrols would be increased in the area, which is not typically known for violent incidents.
“We are committed to deploying any and all resources needed to address this situation, support those diligently working towards justice for the victims, and ensure our community feels safe,” stated County Executive Johnny Olszewski.
