A 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults were wounded after two gunmen allegedly exchanged fire during a dispute near a youth football game in Baltimore, Maryland, authorities said Saturday.
The girl appears to have been caught in the crossfire at Leon Day Park, where a youth football league was hosting its homecoming event, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said at a news conference.
Worley said the confrontation may have started with a dispute over a parking space.
“What we know is that there was some type of argument between two cowards, and of course, they both opened fire on each other,” Worley said.
A 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults were wounded after gunfire erupted near a youth football game at Leon Day Park in Baltimore, authorities said. (Baltimore Police Department)
“In the crossfire, a 12-year-old little girl who was probably down there watching football was shot and killed,” he added.
Police were searching for at least two suspects as of Saturday evening. Authorities described the suspects as adult men, and no arrests had been announced by late Saturday night.
Baltimore police told News Media that officers went to the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road at about 6:15 p.m. after receiving several reports of gunfire.
At the scene, officers found a 25-year-old woman with an apparent gunshot wound. The 12-year-old girl was also taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Baltimore homicide detectives are investigating a shooting that authorities said left a 12-year-old girl dead and three other victims in stable condition. (Baltimore Police)
A 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old man separately went to area hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds, police said.
The three surviving victims were all reported to be in stable condition.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the shooting, saying it happened because two adults were unable to settle an argument without turning to guns.
“Two grown men got into an argument and now a 12-year-old is gone,” he said.
A youth football homecoming event was underway at Leon Day Park in Baltimore on Oct. 3, 2026, when gunfire erupted, leaving a 12-year-old girl dead, according to city officials. (WBFF)
“What happened out here today is one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen in my life,” Scott added.
Scott said the girl’s death would deeply affect the community and offered his condolences to her family.
“We’re never gonna see her full potential,” he said. “Her family’s gonna be hurting for this for the rest of their life. Her classmates are going to be hurting, her community’s going to be hurting.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland.
MORE STORY: Brothers Unveil Stunning Transformation of Once-Dilapidated Mansion