Three people were killed in Baltimore County over a two day period, according to police, and detectives, searching for answers, are asking for the publics help in identifying suspects.
The latest happened just after 11:30 p.m. Friday night at the Pike Park Plaza South shopping center near Catonsville where police said a dispute caused a shooting that left one man dead.
The victim is identified as 20-year-old Brandon Wardell of Woodlawn.
"There was something that brought the two together. What we're trying to do now is figure out exactly what that altercation was about, what any kind of history between the two is," said Cpl. John Wachter, a spokesman for the department.
They have few clues as they begin their work. In the busy shopping center, it's unclear which retail business may have been open at that hour, but a bar and grill sits nearby where an employee declined to comment.
A few shoppers said they may now look for other places to shop, but not everyone.
"I don't feel bad about coming to the store, though, or in the area. It wouldn't stop me, no," said Mary Cromwell, a Baltimore City resident who said she shops in the area about once each month.
Before that shooting, police received a frantic 9-11 call around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday that led them to the unit block of Lower Gate court for a double shooting. One man died at the scene and the other was taken to a hospital, police said.
A letter circulated to residents from management of the Bright Meadows Townhomes and Apartments by said the people involved do not live in the area.
"This is a nice neighborhood, quiet, people mind their own business. I was shocked and surpirsed to see anything like this happen," said Marien Bwino, a resident.
Wachter encouraged vigilance, stressing that people should adhere to the phrase 'see something, say something.'
Police are investigating a third murder that took place in Dundalk early Thursday morning when a man was found unconscious inside his home.
Wachter said there's no indication the violence has become a new normal.
"We had 31 homicides last year, sometimes they're grouped together; you might have a couple within a week or two," he said.
If you have any info that can help detectives, you can contact them at county police headquarters. You can also contact Metro Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-866-7-LOCKUP.
