BALTIMORE — A grand jury in Baltimore has indicted two men, charging them with involvement in the murders of at least seven individuals, allegedly acting as hitmen for a gang, according to an announcement made on Tuesday.

Cornell Moore and Keith Russell, both aged 38, are implicated in a series of violent crimes that include the theft of vehicles, which were subsequently used to carry out shootings. This criminal activity includes a tragic incident in 2022, where they were involved in the killing of a man and his pregnant fiancée. While the woman did not survive, medical personnel managed to successfully deliver the baby, report police.

The two suspects face additional charges related to three nonfatal shootings and a string of carjackings that began in 2020.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates highlighted the severe impact that such a small group of violent offenders can have on local communities, describing this case as one of the most notable prosecutions since he took office as the city’s chief prosecutor last year. Bates made these remarks during a news conference on Tuesday.

He also indicated that the investigation is still active and suggested that further arrests could be forthcoming as law enforcement continues to dismantle the broader criminal organization. His office, in collaboration with Baltimore police and federal agents, has been instrumental in building the case against the accused.

Bates depicted both Moore and Russell as individuals carrying out orders from higher-ups within their gang, although he refrained from disclosing the name of the gang involved.

At this time, the defense attorneys for Moore and Russell have not been listed in court records pertaining to this case. Efforts to reach attorneys representing the two men in related cases in Baltimore County were made but have yet to elicit a response.

The State’s Attorney noted that gang members received payments for executing violent acts that served to advance the gang’s agenda and eliminate threats from rival factions. He pointed out that one of the seven murders took place in Baltimore County.

Bates concluded by asserting that the calculated and ruthless nature of the alleged actions warrants immediate and severe repercussions, stating, “These indictments are the first steps toward achieving that.”