Watch CBS News

Teens Charged With Highlandtown Murder

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The murder sent shock waves through Highlandtown. Now two teen boys are in custody, charged with the crime.

Rochelle Ritchie has the latest from police on the beating death of 51-year-old Kimberly Leto.

Baltimore City Police are continuing their investigation into the murder of Leto, who was found dead inside her home Friday.

"Our homicide detectives worked tirelessly from the start to find those responsible and bring them to justice," said Police Commissioner Anthony Batts.

Those responsible, police say, are two teenagers--just 14 and 15. Alonzo Gorham-Ramos and Allen Pickney have been charged with murder.

"There is a loss of life and two lives thrown away," said Batts.

Leto's brother-in-law spoke to WJZ, saying the family is trying to understand why.

"The family is devastated, shocked," said Mike Posko.

Police say the teenagers broke into Leto's home and attempted to rob her when things turned from bad to worse.

"There was some change taken from the house; also some electronics, some of which is still under investigation," said an official.

Leto had lived in her Patterson Park home for six years.

This was not the first time she had encountered one of the suspects. Police say Gorham was arrested in August for burglarizing Leto's home.

Leto worked at O'Donnell's Pub. When WJZ stopped by they were closed, but other businesses across the street say she was well-known throughout the neighborhood and they are stunned she was murdered.

"It's just awful that kids would do this," said John Bates.

Bates owns Baltimore Taphouse, diagonal from where Leto worked. He said she was loved by everyone.

"She was very nice, had a great personality. Always happy, bubbly, a fun person to hang out with," said Bates.

As Leto's family deals with their own heartache and anger, they think of the suspects and their families.

"I think we are equally saddened at how young the suspects are. It's hard to imagine what that family is going through," said Posko.

Police say the mother of one of the boys is actually a dispatcher for the city.

The family of Kimberly Leto say funeral arrangements are being made.

Other Local News:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.