Man Shot at Vigil for Fatal Shooting Victim: Report

A man was shot during a candlelight vigil Thursday night in northeast Baltimore that was held to honor a man who was shot and killed earlier in the week, according to reports.

At approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, police said a 26-year-old man was shot multiple times and taken to an area hospital, where he was expected to survive.

The shooting occurred in Cedonia, in the 5400 block of Moores Run Drive, the same block where 21-year-old Damien Best was shot and killed on Monday, according to Baltimore Police.

Approximately 100 people had gathered for a vigil on Moores Run Drive Thursday to remember Best, WJZ reported.

A gunman killed the 21-year-old outside his home and then multiple hooded suspects robbed him, according to The Baltimore Sun, which reported his mother saw the end of the incident outside their home.

Best was shot at approximately 9:50 p.m. on Monday, police reported.

Detectives from the Northeast District are investigating both shootings and ask anyone with information to call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

Baltimore had recorded 275 homicides and 532 nonfatal shootings as of Saturday, Oct. 24, according to the latest Crime Stat data from the city.

At this time last year, there were 179 homicides and and 296 nonfatal shootings in Baltimore, the data shows.

The surge in violent crime is mirrored in some other large cities across the country, prompting U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to convene leaders from 20 cities in Washington, D.C., earlier this month to discuss it.

Lynch called violent crime a “profoundly challenging issue for our communities and our country.”

In her closing remarks, Lynch said the solutions to the multifaceted issue would involve the “power of partnerships” among communities, police and public service agencies; in addition, leaders must look at “root causes of criminality” and take steps, such as through re-entry programs for those who are incarcerated, to promote “positive outcomes.” 

[ICYMI]