BREAKING: Woman Shot On N. Monroe St.

By A.F. James MacArthur

A 55 year old woman was shot at the 1600 block of N. Monroe St. around 11:45 p.m. Tuesday. The woman was transported to a local emergency room with unspecified injuries. Her condition was unknown.

At 12:06 a.m. Baltimore Police stated via twitter detectives were investigating the incident. No known motive or suspect mentioned at this time.

The shooting is the latest female victim in what has been a sharp spike in women being shot recently. Female victims normally represent a small percentage of shootings in Baltimore, but the past several weeks have been averaging nearly two females shot per week, with several dying as a result of their injuries.


ANOTHER POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING

Tuesday night also saw a police involved shooting. These incidents also appear to be on the rise. That shooting took place on 3000 block of Spaulding Ave., near Pimlico Race Track, home of the world famous Preakness Stakes. An area that is no stranger to violence.


Video by Justin Fenton, Baltimore Sun

A dead body was once discovered laying on a front porch on race day. In another incident occurring in the area at the same time as the horse race, a man was once kidnapped and forced to withdraw cash from an ATM machine.

Baltimore Police Detective Anthony Fata, currently facing criminal charges of perjury, was once captured on video during the Preakness, brutally beating a man who was being arrested on minor charges. That particular incident was viewed by many in the community, as another example on a long list of excessive force and police misconduct by the Baltimore Police Department.

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A.F. James MacArthur may be reached at 410-205-NEWS (6397) voice or text message, MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, and followed on numerous social media, including: @BaltoSpectator on twitter , Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel

Open Letter To Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

To The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor, City Of Baltimore

Dear Madame Mayor;

Last night I called the police after witnessing a serious crime, and I was deliberately ignored!

I am writing this letter to make you aware of a problem that you have openly stated your concerns about: the Baltimore Police Department, accurate reporting of crime, and improved relations between the citizens of Baltimore and the police.

After sitting through numerous conferences, events, forums and meetings and listening to yourself, Police Commissioner Bealefeld, City Council President Jack Young and others speak of making improvements, I must say, as a citizen, I’m largely unable to see any difference at the street level where the rubber meets the road.


SHOTS FIRED, POLICE IGNORE WITNESS


Early this morning I was awakened by a very loud commotion involving a large group of young men, standing around, arguing loudly, on the verge of getting into a physical altercation.  Within moments of my looking out the window, a young man pulled out a pistol, fired several shots in the air, and the group began to disperse.

After reporting the incident via 911, I was pleased to see what appeared to be a speedy response.  What bothered me though was when I made numerous attempts to get the attention of responding officers, but was flatly ignored by all.

At one point, one nearly struck me with his patrol car as I tried to flag him down.  Note, he was moving at an extremely low speed (perhaps five miles per hour), with flashing lights on as he went by with his windows open.  Besides my frantic arm waving, I also attempted to verbally get his attention, this was all to no avail.

Standing inches away from his open drivers side window, it would be IMPOSSIBLE for him not to have seen me.  Being the only one standing there at the time, it’s not as if I blended in.


ROUTINE UNDER REPORTING


When witnesses are ignored it makes it easy to avoid paperwork and not file a report.  When reports are not filed, it makes it easy to show statistically that crime is down.  When the city, and media report crime is down, and the perception by the majority of citizens is that is pure nonsense, this is the reason why.

If this has happened to me on numerous occasions, one must wonder just how widespread is it?  It’s not just rape victims.

Because of my many attempts in the past of going through internal affairs, speaking to district supervisors, and even the commissioner; concerning officers failing to live up to their duties of protecting and serving the public.  I feel there is no other choice but to turn to you.  Will you also ignore me and continue to allow the status quo to continue?

With all of the robberies, assaults, stabbings, shootings, and murders that have occurred recently in this north Baltimore neighborhood, I am truly disturbed by police ignoring a citizen complainant who was also an eye witness.  Reminds me of when I was a witness to murder and was ignored and offered no protection, despite the shooter being aware that I knew who he was.


VICTIMS TREATED LIKE SUSPECTS



Too many times in the past, Baltimore Police have made me the subject of investigation in response to my complaints, rather than focus and place efforts on actually following up on the reported criminal activity.  This is shameful.

Madame Mayor, I should also point out, due to past experience, I know that my complaint leaves me wide open to retribution, revenge and ridicule by those who would rather keep the truth in the dark.

While I often feel I stand alone in a place resembling a war zone in sight, sound and atmosphere, the truth must be told.  This is a large part of the reason Baltimore city continues to lose it’s tax base.  People are moving away.  Even the cops don’t want to live here, and 80% to 90% don’t!  Not my numbers, but those of Commissioner Bealefeld himself.  What message does this send?

In conclusion, I must again express my extreme displeasure in what has been a lengthy pattern of systematic avoidance, ignoring and lack of action to address criminal activity on the part of Baltimore Police that I have PERSONALLY brought to their attention.

When will we see a true and genuine effort to fully reform the standards, practices behaviors and procedures of this department?



Sincerely disgusted and discouraged;

A.F. James MacArthur, Ph.A.L.



P.S. In the interest of being somewhat brief, I won’t even go into the numerous incidents of police officers currently involved in the court system as criminal defendants, accused of all sorts of violations, assaults and out right criminal activity including and up to MURDER against the people of Baltimore.  The time for change is NOW!  TOMORROW WILL BE TOO LATE!


P.P.S  A more fully detailed account of the above incident, and numerous others will soon be published; chronicling how the city and it's police department has largely abandoned and systematically ignored all hope of improving this area.

RELATED:

NEWS FLASH: -- Shots fired early Saturday morning outside popular after-hours club

Violence Reduction Symposium -- Open Letter To Mayor Sheila Dixon

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FaceBook -- Lets Be Friends!

All Is Calm On The Eastern Front -- After 13 Shootings In Three Days

Fresh back from vacation, Baltimore Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld made his first public appearance since one of his officers shot and killed an unarmed Marine over some sort of dispute over a woman.

Despite what you heard, Baltimore is getting safer by the day. At a mid-day press conference at Baltimore Police Headquarters Monday, Commissioner Bealefeld spouted off a litany of facts and statistics as to why we should not be alarmed by the weekend violence.

Despite an almost daily bombardment of gun fire in many neighborhoods, we the people of Baltimore are being told to calm down, it's not so bad. Read my full report on Commissioner Bealefeld's call for calm at InvestigativeVoice.

**EXCLUSIVE** Slain Marine Tyrone Brown's Father Speaks Out

"This City Is Just Getting From Worse To Worse" -- Reginald Dargan, father of Tyrone Brown

After the candle light vigil held in front City Hall last Saturday, Investigative Voice Senior Reporter Stephen Janis along with myself, caught up with Reginald Dargan. Dargan is the father of former Marine Cpl. Tyrone Brown who murdered by Baltimore Police officer Gahiji Tshamba on the morning of June 5th.

Was Killer Cop Surrender Staged?

Disparities and continually changing facts leave many questions

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

The late night surrender of Baltimore Police officer Gahiji Tshamba, who was being sought on a warrant for the first degree murder of former United States Marine Tyrone Brown, should have begun to provide answers. But instead of clarity, there’s now more confusion and questions than ever.

Some with knowledge of the case suggest that in the last few hours leading up Tshamba’s surrender, his lawyer and top police commanders were in back and forth negotiations on just how to proceed. So while the public and most media were off chasing the trail of an “intensified search” for the rogue cop, some at police headquarters already knew he was about to surrender.

Was the 9:00 pm press conference, the highly publicized foot search along with neighborhood canvassing, complete with an old school wanted poster being handed out; all part of a well choreographed stage play?

For those that are skeptical, consider this; are we really to believe that with an area-wide manhunt involving city, county, state and federal officials, somehow, someway, the killer cop Tshamba, who we’re told doesn’t even own a car, just magically appeared in the lobby of central booking, sat down, crossed his fingers and waited for his lawyer to show. If that’s the case, this guy is good, really good, and damn scary. More like special forces recon than city beat cop. At least this is the way police tell us it happened.

EARLY MISDIRECTION

Also, it should be noted that initially police told us Brown was hit with six of the thirteen bullets fired. Considering the close proximity in which the incident supposedly took place, I found this quite suspicious. It wasn’t until after my prodding of Maj. Terrence McLarney, commander of the city’s homicide squad, did we learn Brown was actually hit nine times.

mis·di·rec·tion

   [mis-di-rek-shuhn] Show IPA

–noun

1.

a wrong or incorrect direction, guidance, or instruction.

I will leave questions as to why such a disparity to you the reader, but wait, it’s not over yet. After I got McLarney to up the number of bullet wounds to nine, all of the media took to adjusting and modifying their reports to include this count. Now suddenly, since Sunday morning, the Sun reports, according to charging documents and the autopsy report, Brown was actually hit with 12 of the 13 bullets fired from Tshamba’s gun.

How long was this fact known by police? Why were we not given an accurate shot count all along? Early attempts at some sort of cover-up?

Also, I’m being told that Tshamba was in the company of police officers on the night of the shooting. Could some of the witnesses have been part of an entourage of drunken cops doing their best to cover for a friend who lost it?

It is interesting to note, of all the witnesses interviewed, only the ones who were in Tshamba’s party made any mention of Brown getting into a physical altercation with Tshamaba. This story was quickly dismissed as being inconsistent and having no merit.

Furthermore, Tshamba, who we’re told hasn’t owned a car in years has been driven around, staying with, and in the company of fellow officers the whole time since AFTER the shooting, even AFTER the warrant was issued. Will we be seeing charges of aiding and abetting a fugitive?

We had gotten word of a serious and credible death threat towards Tshamba by someone with intent on avenging the death of the former Marine Tyrone Brown. It is a fact that Baltimore Police took it seriously. A whole day was spent investigating and seeking out the would be vigilante.

The Baltimore Sun did not report this, instead referring to the whole thing as a hoax. Yet today they report the death threat among other reasons why Tshamba was in hiding. In the newest Sun articles, the threat is no longer called a hoax.

In the drama filled week since Tshamba unloaded his police issued pistol into the unarmed Marine, Sunday morning’s act has got to be one of the most grand entrances ever seen, befitting of a Shakespearian tragedy. It had all the necessary elements of suspense and drama. Only problem was, with the news cameras long gone, most reporters asleep, family and friends from the vigil long gone, there was no audience, no one saw it. All part of the script? You decide.

MacArthur On facebook

MacArthur on Twitter

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A.F. James MacArthur is a contributing editor and crime correspondent for Investigative Voice. Having worked nearly 20 years in public service in a wide range of capacities including patrolman (foot, bike, vehicular), search & rescue, intelligence and investigations. MacArthur’s path into journalism did not follow the typical route

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RETROSPECT ON COMPRENSIVE AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE (oldest to most recent) WITH READER COMMENTS

OFFICER'S DOZEN — City cop shoots alleged assailant 13 times during altercation outside midtown bar; victim dies within the hour

NEWS FLASH - Police officer involved in weekend shooting suspended

NEWS FLASH – NAACP seeks briefing on controversial police shooting of Iraq war vet

NEWS FLASH — Police say off-duty officer shot Iraq vet nine times

‘LIFE IS TOO SHORT’ — Gunned-down Marine‘s last words haunt bar patron

NEWS FLASH! — Prosecutors issue murder warrant for off-duty cop, now missing, who shot ex-Marine

IN CUSTODY — Off-duty cop who killed Iraq War vet a week ago turns himself in to police

Slain Marine Remembered At Candle-Light Vigil

A Photo Journal With Commentary By A.F. James MacArthur, Crime Correspondent, Investigative Voice. All photos unless indicated by A.F. James MacArthur

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

“Life Is Too Short” – Tyrone Brown

On the morning of June 5, 2010, former United States Marine, Tyrone Brown (left, family photo) was shot and killed by off duty Baltimore Police Officer Gahiji Tshamba. Brown served four years in the war in Iraq, surviving some of the heaviest combat of the conflict including The Battle Of Fallujah. His father Reginald Dargan (right hand photo) believed his son suffered with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dargan said "something happened" to his son during the war that changed him. Although Brown never really spoke about it, his father says "he wasn’t the same after returning home."

The warm glow of candles illuminate a t-shirt placed on the ground by fellow Marines who served in combat in Iraq with Tyrone Brown.

The Marines, none of whom reside in Baltimore made the trip to remember their fallen brother. At various moments during the vigil, they were overcome with emotion and reduced to weeping and crying. Brown was murdered in cold blood outside a Baltimore night club by off duty Baltimore Police Officer Gahiji Tshamba. Tshamba, currently wanted for first degree murder remains a fugitive. As of 10:00 pm Saturday, Police say they have no idea of his location.

Terrell Ashburn, brother in law of slain Marine Tyrone Brown displays a t-shirt in remembrance of Brown at a candle light vigil held Saturday night at City Hall. The back side shows Brown with his sister (different from wife of Ashburn) Chantay Kangalee, who was due to be married with Brown appointed to walk her down the isle.

“I'm very upset about it [shooting death of Tyrone Brown]. It seems like whenever he got [Officer Gahiji Tshamba] drunk, he wants to shoot someone. They [Baltimore Police] shot the wrong person this time.” -- Terrell Ashburn, brother in law of Tyrone Brown.

Friends and family members including the father, mother, and a sister of murdered Marine Tyrone Brown pause for a moment of silence at a candle light vigil held Saturday to remember the fallen warrior. Brown was shot and killed by off duty Baltimore Police Officer Gahiji Tshamba. Tshamba who is now a fugitive from justice, wanted for first degree murder, fired 13 shots at Brown. Nine bullets struck brown in the head, torso and groin.

Military veteran and former Baltimore City Police Officer Frances “Jean” Hamilton speaks with Joseph Armstead (back turned), Vice President, Baltimore Branch NAACP. Hamilton is currently running for election for Sheriff of Baltimore City. Armstead is a special correspondent to MacArthur Media.

A young boy watches candles burning in honor of former Marine Tyrone Brown

IN CUSTODY

KILLER IS CAUGHT

At approximately 1:30 am, Sunday morning, while this photo journal was still being edited, a few hours after the vigil was held, Baltimore Police reported Officer Gahiji Tshamba turned himself in to central booking.

Be sure to go to Investigative Voice for continued comprehensive coverage of this developing story. As of 6:30 am Sunday morning, every news outlet in Baltimore still had headlines referencing an intensified search for Tshamba, meanwhile this spot was updated approximately 1:59 am and Investigative Voice reported the surrender on the front page at 2:27 am Sunday.

"We Will Not Rest Until He Is Brought In" – Chantay Kangalee

Rest In Peace Tyrone Brown

Long after most have burnt out, two candles remain burning bright symbolizing the undying hope of the family, that justice will be served , and representing the eternally faithful spirit of the United States Marine Corps.

MacArthur On facebook

MacArthur on Twitter

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A.F. James MacArthur is a contributing editor and crime correspondent for Investigative Voice. Having worked nearly 20 years in public service in a wide range of capacities including patrolman (foot, bike, vehicular), search & rescue, intelligence and investigations. MacArthur’s path into journalism did not follow the typical route

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RETROSPECT ON COMPRENSIVE AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE (oldest to most recent) WITH READER COMMENTS

OFFICER'S DOZEN — City cop shoots alleged assailant 13 times during altercation outside midtown bar; victim dies within the hour

NEWS FLASH - Police officer involved in weekend shooting suspended

NEWS FLASH – NAACP seeks briefing on controversial police shooting of Iraq war vet

NEWS FLASH — Police say off-duty officer shot Iraq vet nine times

‘LIFE IS TOO SHORT’ — Gunned-down Marine‘s last words haunt bar patron

NEWS FLASH! — Prosecutors issue murder warrant for off-duty cop, now missing, who shot ex-Marine

IN CUSTODY — Off-duty cop who killed Iraq War vet a week ago turns himself in to police

Killer Cop Surrenders

IN CUSTODY

Wanted For Murder Of Marine, Rogue Cop Shows Up At City Jail ... developing story, check back for updates.

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

According to Baltimore Police, Ofc. Gahiji Tshamba who eluded a massive manhunt on a first degree murder warrant for nearly two days, turned himself in around 1:30 am Sunday morning.

Tshamba is said to have showed up at Baltimore's Central Booking And Intake Facility, commonly known as Central Booking. The facility serves as a first point of detention for persons arrested in Baltimore City.

Due to the nature of the charge, Tshamba will automatically be held without bail. The surrender comes after an intense period of searching begging Friday evening when a rare first degree murder warrant was authorized and issued for Tshamba.

The warrant came a full week after the shooting death of Tyrone Brown. During the ensuing week between the shooting and the warrant, Baltimore residents voiced fierce opposition and displeasure. Calling for the resignation of everyone from State's Attorney Patricia Jessamy, to Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld III, residents flooded online talk and comment forums, along with barraging local talk radio programs in order to air sentiments of anger and frustration.

On Saturday night a candle light vigil in front of City Hall was held by family and friends. a few short blocks away at the same time, was a press conference held by Baltimore Police. At the time of the press conference, Baltimore Police along with members of the regional Warrant Apprehension Task Force were actively seeking the whereabouts of Tshamba.

The surrender came as a relief to many including Reginald Dargan, the father of victim Tyrone Brown. Contacted at home by the Baltimore Spectator, awoken from sleep, Dargan said "Oh thank God, thank you for telling me!"

See continued comprehensive coverage and read our my detailed step by step, as-it-happened breaking stories on Investigative Voice, the Voice of The People.

Double Homicide Leads To Weekend Kill Count Of Six In Battleground Baltimore

Weekend Gunfire Mirrors Last Weekend's 8 Shootings

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

It's been a busy weekend covering crime in Charm City. I was working on several non-crime stories, but was unable to finish due to the non stop violence escalating to a fever pitch this full moon weekend.

The latest killing was a double shooting at S. Pulaski and Hollins St.

Police investigate the murder scene at Orleans and N. Rose St. (Night Vision image, A.F. James MacArthur, BaltimoreSpectator.com)

Sunday morning, in the same neighborhood, a man was shot to death after a domestic dispute inside a house on the 2100 block of Ramsay St.

Late Friday night/early Saturday morning there were three murders. Two of them were a few blocks and a few minutes apart. I was actually at the murder scene at E. Monument St. & North Luzerne Ave. when just a few blocks away, shots rang out. I didn't know it at the time, but I had just been an ear witness to someone getting their brains blown out.

At Orleans and N. Rose St. a man riding a bicycle had been shot at point blank range in the head.

Not only was this a bit too close for comfort, it also shows the brazen boldness of the new breed of Baltimore criminal. To kill within sight and earshot of 25 police officials and a crime reporter indicates an individual for which killing is all too easy and routine. Neither one of the shootings was probably his first. And with no motive or suspects, they likely will not be his last.

Another Baltimore lone gunman continues to roam the earth in search of new targets and fresh victims.

Three Shootings Less Than One Hour

1. Shooting, Orleans/ Rose St, adult male shot. Homicide notified.0126
   
2. Shooting, 4000 Pennington, adult male shot, homicide notified0121 hours
3. Shooting - Monument St/ Luzerne, adult male shot. Homicide unit notified.0037 hours
   developing . . .

Murder In The Streets -- Man Shot On Sidewalk, Left For Dead

Man Shot To, 4700 Blk Alhambra Ave.

Pools of blood stain the sidewalk, along with rubber gloves and other EMS ambulance paraphernalia marking the spot where a man was shot in the chest

. (A.F. James MacArthur, BaltimoreSpectator.com 21May2010)

developing . . .

NEWS BRIEF -- Overnight Shootings, Stabbing Add To Killings

Police investigate after a man was shot in the face near E. Eager & N.Bond St. -- (A.F. James MacArthur, BaltimoreSpectator.com)

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L., Managing Editor

Police responding to a call for shots fired near 1000 N. Broadway St. found a man with a gun shot wound to the face. The man ran out of the back of the apartment buildings to a female officer, who then requested a medic. The victim, an adult male, remained alert and responsive while being transported to nearby Johns Hopkins Emergency room.

At this time there are no known suspects or motives. Victim claims to have no knowledge of who shot him.

While this writer was on scene, police were observed knocking on door after door seeking eye or ear witnesses. Although lights were on and the residents appeared to be occupied, no one answered any of the doors. At one residence, a police officer was heard identifying himself through the door to the resident on the other side, but no one ever opened their doors.

Based on investigation and location of crime scene tape, it appears shooting actually took place closer to the intersection of E. Eager and N. Bond St.

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Man Fatally Stabbed, Harford Rd.

Around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, police found a man in his 30's on the 2800 blk of Harford Rd. suffering from stab wounds. The man was transported to Johns Hopkins Hospital where he was pronounced dead moments after arriving.

It's being reported the man may have been stabbed by someone he was in an argument with. Baltimore Police Homicide unit is seeking information from anyone that may have more information on this incident. They may be reached at 410-396-2100

Man Shot On Litchfield -- Condition Unknown

At 6:52 a.m. Baltimore Police also reported another shooting: OVERNIGHT SHOOTING - 5103 Litchfield, adult male transported to Shock Trauma.

NEWS BRIEF: Double Shooting Wednesday , Plus Additional Shooting This Morning

Police officers stand on the porch of a house next to where a 28 year old man was found shot on the 700 Blk of E. 36th St. (A.F. James MacArthur, BaltimoreSpectator.com)

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L., Managing Editor

UPDATED 0500 HRS

Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, police received a report of a young man was shot several times, including in the abdomen and shoulder, by an unknown gunman. The man was discovered in front of a house on an otherwise mostly quiet street, but apparently was shot at another location..

Baltimore Police officials not authorized to give statements to the media, describe the victim as a 28 year old black male. The current condition of the victim is unknown.

In what is now known to be a connected incident, police say at 6:35 p.m., they were notified of a walk-in shooting victim at University of Maryland Medical Center. The victim at the hospital is reportedly being uncooperative with investigating police officials.

Both shootings are reported to have taken place at Harford Rd and Homestead St. It is not known why one of the victims ended up on E. 36th St.

From Baltimore Police Twitter 3:00 a.m.: Shooting, 1000 blk W. Fayette, adult male shot in left hand

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This is a breaking news report and will be updated as more information becomes available and confirmed. Report tips, leads and story ideas by calling 410-205-NEWS

Whole Lotta Shooting Going On -- Last 24 Hours

SHOOTING-716 WHARTON CT-ADULT FEMALE GRAZE WOUND TO BACK -- 1952

SHOOTING - N.CHESTER ST/JEFFERSON ST-ADULT MALE SHOT. HOMICIDE NOTIFIED - reported 1815 hrs

Shooting occurred in side alley. Police source states typical no motive no suspects. Lots of people outside, but no one saw anything. This reporter spoke with several people sitting in the back alley, not only didn't they see anything, they heard nothing either. Silencer? Not likely.

SHOOTING-5201 CRAIG AVE-ADULT MALE SHOT IN THE FOOT. - reported 1800 hrs

SHOOTING-516 BEAUMINT (sic?) AVE-ADULT MALE SHOT. NON LIFE THREATENING. -- 1414 hrs

Baltimore Police look for evidence in grassy vacant lot where shooting took place.

@HeberBrown reports: Shots fired in the 500 block of Beaumont Ave. 1 young AA male shot. 1 in custody. -- Read Pastor Brown's full report

@Justin_Fenton points out: 500 Beaumont is a block of north of 500 blk of chateau ave, where 29-year-old Dwayne Majett was killed April 27

Retaliation/revenge? The Spectator wants to know.

SHOOTING, MOSHER /MONROE, ADULT MALE SHOT IN BACK. -- 0515

Filed by A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

Photos by A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

Silent Shootings & Inaccuracies - Pt. I

If someone gets shot, and no one hears it, has that person truly been shot?

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

There were two murders over the weekend, but like most people, you probably didn’t hear about it. Even an avid follower of news would have easily missed it. Why? Because no one covered it. The little coverage eventually surfacing was sparse, bereft of detail, and filled with errors.

It’s a sad reality, a symbolic indicator of our collective disconnect and resignation to accept low standards, when people getting gunned down in the streets is no longer news. The loss of human life is relegated merely to another dot on an already crowded crime map. The shooting’s added to a list, a numerical statistic chronicling the battleground that is Baltimore.

Are we embarrassed by all the violence? Doubtful. Perhaps we’re tired of hearing about it. That’s scary. With problems as systemic as ours, ignoring and denying them certainly won’t make them go away.

ACCURACY IN MEDIA

So back to the two murders. The first happened early Sunday morning. At 1:40 a.m. Baltimore Police announced via twitter:

"Shooting, Liberty Hts/ Gwynn Oak, adult male shot 1:40 AM Apr 25th"

No further details were ever released by the police, but 59 minutes later, after arriving on scene, this writer tweeted the following via www.twitter.com/BaltoSpectator:

"Shooting at Liberty/Gwynn Oak appears to be fatal. Lots of crime scene tape & crime lab techs on scene.2:39 AM Apr 25th"

Sunday’s news saw no mention of the shooting. One wonders why a news paper, the daily paper of record, the only paper really, the largest local media, having a website and able to add news before press time, often finds itself so slow to break news. That’s if they ever mention it at all. Indeed many shootings never make the news.

It would not be until 7:45 p.m. that Justin Fenton of the Baltimore Sun reported the following in referring to the two weekend shootings;

“The first occurred about 2:30 a.m. Sunday in the 4800 block of Liberty Heights Ave., in Northwest Baltimore's Howard Park neighborhood.”

Just a second, if the police tweeted the shooting at 1:40 a.m., how come the Sun says it happened at 2:30? The case for having different voices in local media continues to be made. Without new media, including independent and alternative blogs and sites like this, who’s going to keep an eye on the establishment media? Who’s going to compel them to offer more comprehensive coverage of the scourge of violence destroying this city?

While having good sources and talking to spokesmen and public relations people is essential, often times, this is not a substitute for planting two feet on the ground and pounding pavement.

In Part II we’ll discuss the second shooting and how citizen journalism fills in the gaps.

Man In Van Shot To Death In West Baltimore

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

Murder Occurred On Same Block As Blue Light Camera

Baltimore police responding to a call for shots fired around 11:35 p.m., found the body of 28-year-old Antonio Wilson, slumped over inside a 2001 Chevrolet van. The drivers side door and window had multiple bullet holes with an unstated amount of shots hitting Wilson.

Wilson was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he was pronounced dead 30 minutes later.

The incident occurred on N. Calverton St near the intersection of Wheeler Ave. This reporter observed the victims van was still running with the headlights on after crashing into the rear of a parked white pickup truck and smashing into a utility pole.

Witnesses tell the Baltimore Spectator a lone gunman on foot ran up to the van as it stood still at a stop sign and opened fire on the driver, before running off in an unknown direction. The driver of the van loss control while attempting to flee his attacker. Unconfirmed reports say a female passenger may have also been in the vehicle and was unhurt.

Although Wilson had several trials on drug related charges pending, police do not have any suspects or a motive at this time.

The shooting happened on the same block as a blue light CitiWatch surveillance camera. Police have not said whether or not the camera provided usable footage.

Man Robbed, Shot On Harford Rd.

A car possibly driven by a pizza delivery man who was robbed and shot Sunday night is searched for clues by Baltimore Police.

Story and photos by A.F. James MacArthur, Ph.A.L., Managing Editor

A man was shot in the leg around 11:15 p.m. Sunday night at 2640 Harford Rd. While police did not offer much information, The Baltimore Spectator spoke to a witness who said the man, possibly a pizza delivery driver, was on the porch of the residence, when an unknown gunman rushed up to him demanding money. A minor struggle ensued and the gunman fired several shots with one round striking the victim. The wound is not believed to be life threatening.

ALSO SEE:

Bloody Night In Battleground Baltimore, 17 People Shot In 3 Hours, Several Fatalities

Two Teenagers Killed In Double Homicide

The double whammy happened around 11:00 p.m. near the 200 block of N. Conklin St. in East Baltimore

Double Shooting At Baltimore And Bond St.

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Larry Wallace also contributed to this story.

Three Over Night Shootings - Within Three Hours - No Mention In Baltimore Sun

Already the conspiracy theorists are wondering if there is a concerted effort between the city and the media in suppressing or somehow limiting news of serious crime. It is interesting how the Sun will place a story title for one shooting/murder incident, and within the scant text that passes for a story, try to slip in a couple more. The Baltimore Spectator notes there has been a total of at least 25 shootings this week, but the majority did not make the news. Adding a twist, even the Baltiomore Police twitter, a normally reliable source, left of a random odd shooting or two this week.

Strange Reality? Spectator Speaks, The Street Answers?

On last nights radio broadcast, while ranting about there being no comprehensive crime strategy in Baltimore, I predicted to my co-host and guests there would be at least three more shootings by the next show. We signed off the air at 11:00 p.m. and by 11:02 p.m. the first shooting report came in, within two hours, there were two more. This is becoming a bit too easy.

-AFJM

Here are the latest:

SHOOTING: 2041 WHISTLER, ADULT FEMALE SHOT - 17 July 2009, 11:02 p.m.

SHOOTING: 600 McCABE, ADULT MALE SHOT IN HAND - 18 July 2009, 12:11 a.m.

SHOOTING: LENNOX / LINDEN, ADULT MALE SHOT. AN INDIVIDUAL TAKEN INTO CUSTODY - 18 July 2009, 12:21 p.m.

Man Shot In Westport - South Baltimore

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Baltimore Police report a man was shot in the head, throat and chest around 1:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of Maisel Ct. The man whose identity was not released, was transported to a local hospital and his condition remains unknown at this time. Police have not stated a motive nor information on any suspects.

The location is just blocks from where 19 year old Martie Williams Jr. was murdered in a house on March 22. That murder remains unsolved with no witnesses or motives being known.

Many residents of the area told the Baltimore Spectator team during a series of interviews that the area has been under the control of a prominent local gang. The residents state the area is a hotbed for heavy narcotics transaction and there is frequent violence that goes unreported.

Crime Times - 11 Shootings Since Sunday

Crime decline touted by city continues to elude us. It's only Wednesday, and already there's been 11 shootings, with several fatalities in Baltimore City.

	07/14/2009		Shooting	12XX W. SARATOGA ST
A 52-year-old man was was shot in the right foot. View Details

		07/14/2009	03:30 AM	Shooting	5XX S REGESTER ST.
	SHOOTING: Reported @ 511 S. Register Adult female shot; police investigating. Update 7/14: [...] About 2:50 a.m. Tuesday, officers found a woman who was 48 yea View Details

		07/13/2009	08:00 PM	Shooting	3XX N CAREY ST
	A MAN WAS SHOT SHORTLY AFTER 8 P.M. MONDAY IN THE 300 BLOCK OF N. CAREY ST. IN THE POPPLETON NEIGHBORHOOD AND WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO MARYLAND SHOCK TRAUMA CE View Details

		07/13/2009	04:25 AM	Shooting	CEDARCROFT AND FALKIRK ROAD
	A man was found shot in the head. The mans body was found inside a vehicle. View Details

		07/13/2009	07:00 PM	Shooting	DUMBARTON AVE AND OLD YORK RD
	SHOOTING: Dumbarton Ave / Old York Rd-Adult male shot. Police investigating View Details

		07/13/2009	08:00 PM	Shooting	3XX N CAREY
	SHOOTING: 300 Blk N.Carey St-Adult male shot in the foot View Details

		07/13/2009	03:05 PM	Shooting	THE ALAMEDA AND 30TH ST.
	Adult Male Shot View Details

		07/12/2009		Shooting	40XX PENNINGTON
	SHOOTINGS DISTRICT DETECTIVES CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE THE NONFATAL SHOOTINGS EARLY SUNDAY OF A MAN AND A WOMAN IN THE 4000 BLOCK OF PENNINGTON AVE. BOTH VICTIMS View Details

		07/12/2009	04:00 AM	Shooting	1XX N. CLINTON ST
	A man was shot in the chest and was listed in critical condition at Johns Hopkins Hospital. View Details

		07/12/2009	06:00 AM	Shooting	40XX PENNINGTON
	SHOOTING: 4000 PENNINGTON ADULT MALE AND FEMALE WERE SHOT. VICTIMS TAKEN TO HOSP. View Details

		07/12/2009	04:00 AM	Shooting	CLINTON AND FAIRMOUNT
	SHOOTING: Clinton and Fairmount, adult male shot. Police investigating View Details