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Police Search For Suspect Who Killed Congressman's Nephew

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Right now, police in Norfolk are actively looking for the gunman who shot and killed the nephew of Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings.  They hope his roommate, who was critically injured, can give key clues about the killer.

Mike Hellgren has the latest on the investigation.

The only eyewitness to the murder of Congressman Elijah Cummings' nephew is revealing more about what happened the night of the killing.  It's unclear whether that eyewitness---who is Cummings' friend and roommate---will ever be able to speak again after being shot five times, but he's still able to communicate with police.

While Christopher Cummings tried to fight off his killer, his roommate Jake Carey crawled from the home they shared near Old Dominion University campus to get help.

Carey is the only eyewitness.  His family says he still can't speak but has written notes to police and remembers "flashes and sounds."

Bullets struck him in the neck, shoulder and hand.

His uncle says, "He's young.  He's 20 years old and hopefully he'll pull through."

Cummings' uncle, Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings, now tells WJZ he's scared about Carey becoming a target.

"I worry about him because if people are this callous to do something like this, I am concerned about his safety," Cummings said.

Norfolk police will not say if they have any motive or suspects in this case.

Cummings' family is preparing for his funeral in Baltimore on Saturday.  His grandmother Ruth founded the Victory Prayer Chapel where it will be held.  She says she's too shaken to do an interview but her high-profile son minces no words when speaking about finding his nephew's killer.

"If we could just help prevent another child from being viciously slaughtered," Cummings said.  "We're dealing with some very, very dangerous people."

Cummings was 20, an honor student and wanted to follow in his uncle's footsteps as a lawyer and public servant.

"I believe Christopher was bearing tremendous gifts," Cummings said.  "Unfortunately, because of some thugs down there in Norfolk, he will not be able to deliver those gifts."

Cummings will give the eulogy at the funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Cummings' father says his son was concerned about crime near campus after someone broke into his home five weeks ago.  He says it may be the same person who killed him.

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