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Suspended Officer Becomes Major Focus Of Investigation Into Teen Girl's Death

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Loved ones and lawmakers want answers after the weapon used to kill 13-year-old Monae Turnage was found inside an officer's personal car. And the investigation is getting hotter.

Mike Hellgren has the latest developments.

No charges have been filed against this officer. He was off-duty at the time. The shooting happened in an area he frequently patrolled.

A Baltimore City police officer is under fire with a growing investigation into his possible conduct in the shooting of 13-year-old Monae Turnage after sources say the weapon used to kill her was found inside his car.

WJZ has learned high-level talks are underway about the officer's future and all homicide shifts are actively investigating the death. DNA samples have even been taken from the officer in question.

Lawmakers are calling for action in the heartbroken community in Northeast Baltimore where this happened.

"What can we say to our children when those charged with protecting them, harm them, when they're a part of law enforcement," Baltimore City Councilman Carl Stokes, D-District 12, said.

Two boys have been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Police say they accidentally shot Monae Turnage, then hid her body.

"I don't think it's enough because they tried to cover it up," Edith Turnage, Monae Turnage's mother, said. "For her life to be gone like this, that's crazy."

But the stunning twist remains the discovery of that weapon inside that officer's car. He was reportedly dating one of the suspect's relatives.

Homicide investigators want to know how much this officer knew and when he knew it.

Among their questions: Did he fail to report the shooting? Did he advise the youths? And most importantly, how did that weapon end up in his car?

The head of the Fraternal Order of Police declined comment.

The police commissioner told WJZ earlier this year he has no tolerance for wrongdoing on the force.

"If people are out here doing illegal things, we're going to hold them accountable in the most strictest fashion possible," Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld said.

Hundreds of people turned up Wednesday evening for a memorial at William C. March Middle School where Monae Turnage was in the eighth grade.

Monae Turnage's funeral is scheduled for Saturday.

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