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.

BREAKING: Arrests Made In Greenmount Killing

developing . . .

Troy Taylor (m-b-18) and Michael Rapheal Hunter arrested for the April 8 murder of 72 year old Charles Bowman.

Greenmount Solidarity Walk, A Show Of Support, Working Together

Rally Had A Lesson On How Government Should Function

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

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and a host of top Baltimore City government officials gathered on Greenmount Ave. in a show of force and support. “We want you to come out to Waverly, come out to Greenmount, but don’t bring any trouble with you" said City Council President Jack Young. “If you bring any trouble here, we got something for you.”"

A week ago today, right at Greenmout Ave. and 33rd St., the main intersection of the area, 21 year-old Damon Minor was shot and killed in broad daylight. His assailant chased him down the street firing numerous shots striking him thoughout the the body and head. The brazen attack, on a crowded street sent out shockwaves, rattling the Waverly community.

48 hours before, 72 year old Charles Bowman was shot and killed inside the Yau Brothers Carry Out Restaurant in a robbery gone bad. The Greenmount Ave./Waverly area is no stranger to violence.

Last year three people were shot inside the same Yau Brothers restaurant, leaving two dead and one seriously wounded. Several years ago, the manager of the Blockbuster Video store was shot and killed inside the store. The store permanently closed its doors as a result. The incidents all happened within the same two block radius. Spread the circle out a bit further, count other types of crimes, and the crime map becomes way too clustered and filled with too many incidents to make any sense of it.

As Mayor Blake and her entourage including Council President Jack Young, City Councilwoman Mary-Pat Clarke, City Councilman Carl Stokes, Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld and Fire Chief James Clack led the way, a crowd of approximately 200 people followed. Among them were local residents and business owners all out to send a message that the recent spike in violence was not acceptable and would not be taken lying down.

Hit especially hard are the merchants on Greenmount Ave. who complain that a week later, things have been tough. They say the recent violence have folks no longer feeling safe and there’s been a noticeable drop in foot traffic. Fighting to eradicate urban decay and turn things around, the merchants have a vision of Greenmount as a Waverly Main Street. A safe place to take your family shopping, dining and to experience a traditional Baltimore neighborhood.

Without a sense of safety and security, these businesses already dealing with a weakened economy, will only suffer further, with some of them not making it.

With so many heads of local government including Assistant Commissioner of Code Enforcement Eric Booker, even the Director of the Department of Transportation Alfred Foxx, it was the perfect gathering of different parts of government all coming together in the same place, at the same time, focusing on a simple central mission, and sending a clear message to the community. To those that want a better Baltimore, we’re behind you. To those who bring violence, you won’t be tolerated.

If only Baltimore City government actually functioned on a day to day basis with such cohesiveness, clear purpose and focus, what a better place this would be. Perhaps our leaders need to get out more, A LOT MORE…ALL OF THEM, together, AT THE SAME TIME, neighborhood by neighborhood. Followed up by solid continued action, there would actually be chance to reclaim this city from the current direction of destruction we’ve been headed in for some time now.

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Additional photos from today event can be viewed on my FaceBook page

Battleground Baltimore Remains A Bloody Bastion For Boundless Mayhem & Murder

Four Overnight Shootings Leave Three Dead

By A.F. James MacAthur Ph.A.L.

Despite continued cries of a so called crime decline, officials touting all sorts of statistical reports claiming reductions of violence in Baltimore, and the media all to willingly echoing the stats, is Baltimore honestly getting any safer?

The last 24 hours should serve as a reminder, as if one was needed, Baltimore remains an ever violent and dangerous city. Although so far this year reported murders are down, the high degree of mortality on the streets would put only the most naive Pollyanna at ease.

Baltimore Police's twitter feed gives a glimpse of SOME of the most violent crimes of the past day, the shootings. This of course does not take into account any muggings, assaults, robberies and all sorts of criminal activity that you, the general public, will never learn about.

It doesn't help when Baltimore Police continue to respond to calls, yet file no reports. Had I not witnessed this with my own eyes this week, I wouldn’t say this (more on that later, if they don’t silence me).

FOUR HOURS OF DEATH

10:00 P.M. Shooting, 3215 Spaulding, adult male shot

10:33 P.M. Double Shooting - Police investigating at 4116 Kenshaw.

11:14 P.M. Shooting, 1230 E. North, adult male shot in stomach

11:36 P.M. Shooting, 1121 N. Milton, adult male, Homicide requested

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------UPDATE: Moments after this story was published Baltimore Police released this via twitter; "Shooting, 1 N. Stricker, adult male with graze wound reported to police. Occured this morning at 2am." -- Of course it wasn't tweeted till 9:16 A.M.

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One of the victims of Kenshaw place is dead, and the man shot on N. Milton St. is also dead.

The shooting at 1230 E. North Ave. resulted in homicide. This is the same immediate vicinity of a homicide occurring last Sunday.

1121 N. Milton also resulted in death. A separate piece will be filed for this incident.

Police stated no known connections, nor motives for any of the shootings, but they give a snapshot at how widespread the random violence can be in this city.

At this time there are few details on the above shootings, but don’t tell that to the Baltimore Sun. As of 8:30 A.M. this morning they haven’t a single mention of the above crimes. For being the so-called news paper of record, how pathetically sad and disappointing, yet oh-so-typical.

This writer was the only representative of local media at the shooting. It’s a sad day when violent loss of life no longer warrants on scene news coverage, or when your collective local media is so weak, impotent and anemic, they just aren’t able.

Police Commissioner & Others To Lead "Solidarity Walk"

Troubled Greenmount Ave. The Focus Of Demonstration To Turn Things Around

SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2:00 PM

BEGINNING AT DARKER THAN BLUE,

3034 GREENMOUNT AVENUE

2:00 PM

please join us as

Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld,

Fire Chief James Clack,

Council President Jack Young,

& our Northern District Police Commanders

lead neighbors and friends

in a

SOLIDARITY WALK TO PROMOTE RESTORED SAFETY

to GREENMOUNT AVENUE

We’ll walk north from Darker Than Blue to East 35^th Street,

then south on the eastside of Greenmount to East 29^th,

then back, completing the circuit.

We have suffered a sudden and unacceptable spike of violence in recent weeks along our Waverly Main Street.

Police, Fire and all of Baltimore City support our efforts now

to restore the safety and security we require.

Please turn-out to signal the turn-around.

Thanks.

Mary Pat Clarke, District Councilwoman

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.

City School Bus Collides With Car **EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS**

By A.F. James MacArthur, photos by Dennis Pugh

Six medics responded to a collision between a car and a school bus on Loch Raven Blvd. near Lochwood Street. The crash was reported at 7:45am. Authorities say a woman driving a car carrying three children crashed with a school bus carrying special needs children to Winston Elementary.

The school bus driver was taken to nearby Good Samaritan Hospital, while two 14-year-old boys, a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, all passengers of the school bus were taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview. Two boys, ages 7 and 14, riding in the struck vehicle were also transported to Bayview.

The Baltimore Spectator's own, photographer Dennis Pugh was on scene shortly after it the accident happened and was able to capture these dramatic photos of the scene. As horrific as it looks, we're told none of the injuries were serious.

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Man Sends Text Message Gets 15 Year Prison Sentence

"Sorry about all this. Call me when you get a chance."

For stabbing his baby mama Lakisha Frye seven times and nearly cutting off her ear, Colin Akin Johnson was sentenced to 20 years in prison. A judge ordered him to serve five of those years. After only three years and three months behind bars he was released.

The two had allegedly renewed their tumultuous relationship and Mr. Johnson sent the text above after a heated argument. It would turn out to be the most costly text message ever sent.

The Frederick News Post has more.

Change, You Call This Change?

Current Baltimore Leadership A Result Of Low Standards & Expectations

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

Last week saw the culmination to a long drawn out ordeal. After years of being a controversial and polarizing figure, Sheila Dixon was put to pasture politically. Like an old horse no longer effective in its duties, but not so worthless that it should be butchered, Sheila Dixon was given a chance to slowly fade away.

No more presidential snubs, or Jay Leno jokes, no more international headlines bearing the dubious distinction of yet another failed, disgraced, criminally convicted, black democrat politician. Believe it or not, to most living outside Baltimore, this became all we were known for. Even my friends in Europe brought it up. They voluntarily shared their views regarding Sheila Dixon. How embarrassing.

Shamefully, this all could have been avoided if Baltimore truly wanted change. One of the most perplexing matters to me is how a large body of voters who so enthusiastically rallied for and elected Barack Obama to the presidency are the same people who continuously re elect tired, worn out, worthless incumbents.

Baltimore has no issue with electing the same people over and over again, even when they fail to produce the results so desired by all. Putting the same names and faces back in year after year just to be lied to and have promises broken has become acceptable in Charm City.

Last election gave Baltimore an opportunity for change, to truly make a difference, instead we saw establishment politicians remain in their status quo positions. Some were even promoted without showing why they deserved it.

The late Ken Harris was a true champion of the people. Passionate, intelligent and connected, not bought or bossed by the machine. He would have made a most excellent City Council President.

In the Mayor’s race, Del. Jill P. Carter burst on the scene as a principled, proven independent voice. A legislator that shows no blind loyalty to party lines or special interest groups or rich business developers. The chance for true change layed right at your fingertips Baltimore, but you fell for the same old song and dance that’s been used to pimp our people for decades. Now look what you got.

Let’s not even get into how after nearly eight years of the disastrous O’Malley Mayorship, you people turned around and promoted him to Governor. After leaving Baltimore an utter and complete mess in nearly every category that counts, you thought he did such a good job that rest of Maryland should have a chance to suffer with us.

Mayor designate Stephanie Rawlings-Blake openly admits her close ties and allegiance with Governor Martin O’Malley. The man who took this city to a place, even most Dixon supporters don’t ever want to see us go again. Besides viewing him as a mentor and personal hero, she even relies on some of his cast off staff members to run her office. Change? You call that change? YEAH RIGHT!!!

112 Year Old Man Marries Teenage Girl, 17

How? Why? What the??? Some of the questions this story brings to mind.

"I didn't force her, but used my experience to convince her of my love; and then we agreed to marry." -- Ahmed Muhamed Dore, big pimping Somali player, with 112 years experience

Wal-Mart To Start Selling Coffins

Just when you thought there wasn't anything under the sun you couldn't get at Wal-Mart. The home of falling prices has added a new product to an already staggering line up of offerings.

Month In Review/Interesting Crap We Missed

Man Get's Six Months For Yawning

Dirty Disney! Man Guilty Of Groping Minnie Mouse At Disney World

NJ Teacher Fined $23,000 For Using Cell Phone In Classroom

Senator Edward Kennedy, Dead At 77

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,” a family statement said. “We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice.”

developing . . .

SHOCK: DNA Evidence Can Be Fabricated!

“You can just engineer a crime scene,” said Dan Frumkin, lead author of the paper, which has been published online by the journal Forensic Science International: Genetics. “Any biology undergraduate could perform this.”

“DNA is a lot easier to plant at a crime scene than fingerprints. We’re creating a criminal justice system that is increasingly relying on this technology.” - Tania Simoncelli, science adviser to the American Civil Liberties Union

Scientists in Israel have demonstrated that it is possible to fabricate DNA evidence, undermining the credibility of what has been considered the gold standard of proof in criminal cases.

To all those who think Governor Martin O'Malley wanting to build up a DNA sample bank can't be twisted for nefarious purposes, you need to read this story closely.

The scientists fabricated blood and saliva samples containing DNA from a person other than the donor of the blood and saliva. They also showed that if they had access to a DNA profile in a database (like the one O'Malley is trying to build), they could construct a sample of DNA to match that profile without obtaining any tissue from that person.

(Read More)

Ramped Up "Abandonded Vehicles" Enforcement Another Avenue For Abuse

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

Mayor Sheila Dixon announced a new stepped up effort to remove abandoned vehicles from the streets and private property. The city has lowered the time to get a vehicle towed from a public street to 5 days and from private property to 15 days. Dixon says since it is football season the city is calling the campaign, RAVN Remove Abandoned Vehicles Now (I'm not making this up).

Sorry, I don't buy it. You guys are a bunch of crooks and you know it! When I went on vacation for two weeks, my privately owned vehicle was parked in front of my house, it was cited and towed as an "abandoned vehicle." What a load of crap Mayor Dixon! Admit it, this program will allow you to raise much needed revenue like when I had to pay hundreds of dollars to retrieve my legally parked vehicle on more than one occaison. Another time it was even ticketed twice in one day as an "abaondoned vehicle." A quick check of the tags would have showed it was registered to the address it was located in front of. How on earth could this be abandoned?

I suppose the brand new, high end, factory spec paint job and the mirror like glossy clear coat really didn't help things. This is Baltimore, when the city wants to screw you, they will find a way to justify it no matter what.

Then there's the issue of the classic motorcycles I was restoring. You bastards hit me for that too. Coming onto my private property and taking the bikes. Nice one! I swear, how can people sleep with themselves knowing they are looting other people's private property in the name of government?

Abandonded vehicles may pose a real problem in this city, but the level of fraud, abuse and blatant criminal behavior within the Dept. Of Transportation via ticketing, towing and the impound lot is so common it's not even news. Even after the city has acknowledged a vehicle shouldn't have been towed, they still demand the towing, storage, impound and "administrative" fees. This new program will only broaden the ability for abuse.

You guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves, but I forgot, this is Baltimore. There is no shame! If there was, the status quo that passes for acceptable performance in government would draw mass outrage and demonstrating in the streets. But alas, the masses are all either too drunk, high or stoned,(legions of addicts reside in Baltimore) or ignorant ( note the high level of high school drop outs and adult illitaracy) to care or notice.

Keep calling me delusional, radical or what ever other epithets you can come up with. If Baltimore's incumbent elected officials don't think more and more of the people aren't getting wise to their ways, then their are the ones in a delusion of denial. I can only pray, hope and dream that one day the people of Baltimore will wake up, and will throw you bums out. The same ones that have been sitting in office for years and doing absolutely nothing to make a difference. Nothing but talk, talk, talk, while Baltimore city sinks lower and lower below the surface.

As you look for more ways to take money and property that's not yours, take note, some of us are on to you. Remember, the Spectator's watching!

So How's That Crime Decline Coming?

Mayor Dixon; if a murder a day keeps the tourists away, what does a double shooting in the center of the tourist district say?

"People might not like it, some radicals [Baltimore Spectator] are going to speak out about it. Our officers are going to have to be more aggressive." -- Mayor Sheila Dixon

Two Men Shot At Inner Harbor

Commissioner Bealefeld; do we get to see you walk foot patrol and declare the Inner Harbor safe once again? Last time you said it, I actually B E I L I E V E D.

Was The Commish Talking About Us?

"I don't want to attract attention. I want to attract action. It's not a spectator sport to be involved in your community." - Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld III

The Weekend According To Twitter -- Thanks Baltimore Police Dept.

1. UPDATE - SHOOTING: 4908 HARFORD RD/ SUSPECT APPREHENDED AND ARRESTED AT THE SCENE.about 15 hours ago from UberTwitter
2. SHOOTING: 4908 HARFORD RD. ADULT MALE SHOTabout 15 hours ago from txt
3. SHOOTING-5441 FORCE RD: ADULT MALE SHOT. NON-LIFE THREATENINGabout 23 hours ago from UberTwitter
4. SHOOTING-301 LIGHT ST: 2 MALES SHOT AT PHILLIPS, ONE IN THE ELBOW, THE OTHER IN THE LEG, NON-LIFE THREATENING10:18 PM Aug 15th from txt
5. Shooting, 4782 Chatford Av, adult male shot.10:20 PM Aug 14th from txt
6. Serious Agg Assault-4201 Pennington Av-Adult male stabbed in the neck. Suspect arrested8:40 PM Aug 14th from txt
7. MEDIA ADVISORY: Alcohol not a factor in Michael Phelps accident. Police report will be avail and released later this afternoon.11:21 AM Aug 14th from UberTwitter
8. Shooting, 1309 Valley St, male shot in leg12:03 AM Aug 14th from UberTwitter

Light Rail Fatal Accident -- No Charges Filed

Baltimore County Police have concluded their investigation of the MTA Light Rail incident near Lutherville that killed Connor Peterson and his stepbrother, Kyle Wankmiller. The deaths were ruled as accidental with no charges filed.

Related:

UPDATE: MTA Light Rail Killed Two Teens On Track -- Operator Had No Clue!

Trolley operator indicted; texting led to crash, investigators say

22 hurt in light rail crash at BWI

Operator admits use of prescription drugs

Last Week Saw The Most Visitors For A Seven Day Period

Thank you all for visiting. Google page ranking and even Arbitron has noticed. The little blog that could. Thousands of readers every week can't be wrong. But alas, despite our reach and penetration, despite our list of distinguished readers, I suppose I am still nothing but a delusional mad man. If you ask Maryland Judiciary that's what they'll tell you.

Hillary Clinton Knows How To Get Down And Boogie!

Woman Sets Fire To Mans Genitals, Claims Self Defense

A Greek woman is being praised by folks in her hometown for setting fire to a mans privates after forcefully groped her. Before the enlightening incident, the man is reported to have pulled out his junk and was waving it around at the ladies in the club. He is now in hospital being treated for second degree burns to his testicles and penis.