"This City Is Just Getting From Worse To Worse" -- Reginald Dargan, father of Tyrone Brown
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
–noun1.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.
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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
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.
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.
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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
Commentary By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
As I sit here attempting to focus my thoughts and crank out a cohesive coherent piece, I must admit, I’m struggling. In a bad, bad way, so bear with me as I do the best I can.
Thinking about my three neighbors on either side of “The Bunker” (my reinforced rowhouse) who were killed in cold blood via home invasion, I often weep. Gone is the relative comfort I once had, knowing should any trouble come through these doors, I’d be ready. Now my only option is to call 911. Lot’s of good that’ll do. Last time I needed help they arrested me. What’s next, shooting me and not the bad guy?
Thanks to the Baltimore Police and Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld’s bad guys with guns campaign, my constitutional right of self defense has been all but stripped from me. Thinking back to that fateful December night, had I killed the two intruders, rather than scaring them off, I’d be in better shape today. Had I just shot them, and kept my mouth shut, I would be free today.
Heck, Ofc. Tommy Sanders shot and killed an unarmed man who was running away from him, and some joke of jury, more like a pool of morons let him walk. Too bad his victim Lamont Hunt can’t do any walking of his own…. now that he’s DEAD.
I won’t even discuss the samurai killer, or any of the host of others, cop or citizen who’ve been able to kill and walk in this town. Truth is, of all the murders in this town, less than half are ever even solved. But bear a firearm to stand your ground against invaders, call the cops to report it, then look out. Brace yourself for what comes next. Arrest, release, re-arrest, legal fees, house broken into while arrested, a criminal record, man I could go on and on.
Then there’s that no good, piece of trash, psychopathic, killing machine Gahiji Tshamba. Another one of the finely polished, gleaming sparkling blue diamonds of the Baltimore Police Department. We all know the story by now so I’ll spare rehashing it for you.
Let me get this straight. You get to kill a man in cold blood. Remain silent, give no statements, refuse a breathalyzer, report to work… and NOW there’s a warrant. Way to go Patricia Jessamy!
Meantime while Tshamba was not under arrest or even charged, I’m sure his passport was seized right? Uh huh, I’m sure his house was searched for other personally owned weapons right? I guess not, you can’t do that without charging and arrest now can you?
It’s such a good feeling to know that the police force is replete with these kind of characters. Oh, but some of you would have us thinking these are isolated cases and anomalous incidents.
Sure they are. We B E L I E V E
But before I finish, I have to ask a few more questions. Except for Mayor Rawlings-Blake several days later making a statement, along with Del. Jill Carter releasing her own thoughts and comments, why have our so called leaders been so silent? With elected officials charged with serving the needs and well being of the citizens, an innocent man was killed by an officer of the law, but no one has anything to say about it.
Meanwhile, how come we’ve heard nothing from Frederick Bealefeld? Seriously man, it’s been like a week. One of your robo-cop killing machines has struck again. Is the silence approval, or are you too busy re-writing and revising your resignation letter?
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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.
Weekend Gunfire Mirrors Last Weekend's 8 Shootings
A Florida repeat offender recently released from jail received a sentence of life in prison for violating the terms of his release. The violation occurred when the man decided to shoplift clothing from WalMart and showed a gun while being pursued by store security.
109 Year Old Fire House Continues To Serve, Save & Protect
By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
After being shut down for nearly one year, Fire Station 31, on Greenmount Ave. officially went back into service today.
“This community needs this fire station” – Fire Chief James Clack
Located in the heart of Waverly, a community struggling for revitalization and recognition for things besides gun violence, open air drug dealing and urban blight and decay. The station houses Engine Co. 31 and Medic 3.
Due to unsafe building conditions, the station was closed last June. In an effort spearheaded by Councilwoman Mary-Pat Clarke with overwhelming community involvement, a grassroots movement raised up to save Fire Station 31. The station was once marked for permanent closure.
After being rejected for stimulus money, through bake sales, fund raising house parties, among other things and Dept. of General services bond funding, the needed half million dollars for necessary repairs was procured. Local business owners consider the fire station a vital part of the new direction of Waverly.
“This is the kind of partnership and community involvement we need to see more of” remarked Khalil Zaied, Director of the Dept. Of General Services. In a time of rotating fire station closures, and the potential layoff of hundreds of firefighters due to fiscal failures, the sentiment couldn’t be more poignant.
Back in service for less than 24 hours, the station responded to a house fire around 4:30 a.m. Saturday.
After a marching band played and various officials and community leaders gave brief remarks to the assembled crowd of nearly 200 people, an official ribbon cutting was lead out by Councilwoman Clarke. The community was then invited to tour the historic, 109 year old fire house, which dates back to the era of horse drawn fire wagons. A barbecue cook-out reception was held in the back.
One of the oldest professional fire department in the nation, the Baltimore City Fire Department has been in service for 151 years.
Excellent video report by Fox 45, watch till the end to see a few seconds of some creepy, big, tall, long hair guy off in the distance.
Man Shot To, 4700 Blk Alhambra Ave.
Keeping It Real With Al Sharpton (Radio Show) 1:00 PM
Police investigate after a man was shot in the face near E. Eager & N.Bond St. -- (A.F. James MacArthur, BaltimoreSpectator.com)
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
Baltimore City Council Taxpayers Night
TONIGHT
MONDAY, MAY 10, 2010
6:00 pm
at the
War Memorial Building
(Enter from Lexington Street, just east of Gay.)
Citizens are invited to sign-in and speak-up
about your funding priorities.
Sign-in usually begins at 5:30 pm.
(Please be sure to have picture ID.)
Metered parking is available “under the Expressway,”
at Gay & Saratoga, where the Sunday Farmers Market is held.
A man was shot in the face and killed Saturday afternoon near the intersection of N. Jefferson Ave. & Chester St. The stop sign above; defaced with a bumper sticker advertising “Back On Your Block” Bail Bonds, is all too telling. Just a few feet from where the murder took place. The irony is nearly all murders in Baltimore are committed by criminals with long prior records, with many of them getting arrested and repeatedly ending up “Back On The Block” after posting bail, and committing more crimes while awaiting trial. (A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L., Managing Editor, BaltimoreSpectator.com, 8May2010)
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.
