Baltimore Bloodshed: 13-Year-Old Among Those Killed After Rash of Shootings

BALTIMORE (WJZ) --Baltimore Police are investigating at least five shootings since Friday night, one of which claimed the life of a 13-year-old in Baltimore.

Baltimore Police say they respond to a shooting in the 1700 block of Milton Ave. where a 22-year-old was shot in the thigh. He is expected to survive.

Twenty minutes later in the 400 block of East 2nd Street, police found a 22-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. Shortly after arriving to Johns Hopkins Hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

The rash of shootings continued into Saturday morning with a 27-year-old man shot near the 5800 of York Road,  a 28-year-old man shot near the 500 block of Dolphin Street and a 13-year-old boy and a 21-year-old both shot near the 900 block of Pennsylvania Ave.

Tragically, the 13-year-old died from his injuries.

"We say it again and again and that redundancy is purposeful. We do need the public's help. We do need people to come forward. This is a 13-year-old. He's supposed to have fun this summer. He's supposed to be out playing and he's gone. His family needs justice and they need closure," said Baltimore City Police Detective Nicole Monroe.

On the heels of five different shooting locations and two deaths within two hours Friday night was a beat of hope. For the second year, the Stop the Violence rally was just blocks from recent shootings.

"It teaches them they can be whatever they want to be and they can go where they want to go. They are not limited by their surroundings and they are not a product of their environment," said Tikia Neblett, Baltimore City Entertainers.

From the Baltimore City Entertainers and beyond, these bands are the pulse of hope for kids and even adults in communities so often surrounded by crime and violent deaths.

"Positive reinforcement to the youth so we're trying to get them off the streets, give them other things to do," said Michael Davis, Baltimore All-Stars.

To keep people out of trouble, these bands practice, take trips and travel to competitions throughout the country. Their goal is simple: keep kids busy with something positive and wrap them with love.

"Although it's a community organization, ti is a family-orientated group," Davis said.

If you have any information on the recent shootings, you can call Crime Stoppers and remain anonymous.