'Nothing has been ruled out': Maryland police probe whether shooting, crash are linked

Maryland police are investigating whether a shooting and car crash that killed one person and injured nine others Tuesday night are tied to a homicide that occurred earlier this month.

Baltimore County police responded to reports of gunshots fired Tuesday night in Towson, a suburban community about 15 miles north of Baltimore, according to police Chief Robert McCullough. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered an overturned vehicle that was engulfed in flames and multiple victims with apparent gunshot wounds.

Investigators believe that all 10 people were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting and the subsequent car crash, McCullough said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon. One of the victims was declared dead at the scene.

Eight of the injured had gunshot wounds and one person had injuries that did not appear to be associated with being shot, McCullough said. The nine were taken to trauma centers and, by Wednesday afternoon, one person had been released.

Police identified the deceased as 26-year-old Charles Graham Jr. Police said most of the surviving victims – whose ages range between 14 and 27 — are teenagers, adding that two are female.

Authorities have not identified any suspects and have urged people who have information related to the incident to contact the Baltimore County Police Department.

Investigators were also looking into whether the incident was connected to the death of 19-year-old Andrew Blessing, who police said was fatally shot on Dec. 9 in the same area.

"At this time, the search for those responsible continues," McCullough said. "At this point, nothing has been ruled out. We are taking a look at all serious crimes that have occurred in that area."

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Authorities said the shooting and car crash occurred near a funeral home. Baltimore County police and fire personnel received multiple 911 calls around 7:15 p.m. local time regarding shots fired in the area and a vehicle that was on fire.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the incident began in a residential area several blocks away from the funeral home, according to McCullough.

Surveillance footage from a nearby business showed the vehicle crashing and one person running toward it, according to WBAL-TV and WBAL NewsRadio. The footage then showed gunshots being fired before the person and three others drove away.

McCullough reiterated Wednesday that it was an isolated and targeted incident. He added there will be an increased law enforcement presence in the area as the investigation continues.

"We do not believe this was a random act of violence," McCullough said. "While the individual or individuals responsible have not been apprehended yet, we remain vigilant and additional resources have been deployed. I would urge everyone to be vigilant."

McCullough also said investigators were not ruling out retaliation as a possible motive in the incident. "Right now, we're considering the whole situation in terms of retaliation," he said.

Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski said Wednesday that officials were committed to ensuring that "we bring those who committed this act to justice" and keeping the community safe.

"These acts are shocking and completely out of character for what happens and how we expect our communities to be safe in Baltimore County," Olszewski added.

Who is Andrew Blessing?

McCullough said Tuesday's incident occurred near where Blessing was killed. Blessing's funeral service had been held just hours before the shooting, according to WMAR-TV.

“It’s been told to me that they all know each other, and somehow they may have known the individual Blessing and his family,” McCullough said of those involved in the shooting.

Baltimore County police said officers initially responded to reports of a shooting at around 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 9 and discovered Blessing with gunshot wounds at the scene.

"Based on the information available at this time, it is believed that this crime was targeted," police said in a statement. "This investigation remains ongoing."

Fox45 News reported this month that Blessing had been attacked while sleeping in his bed and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. According to the television station, the incident had put residents on edge, describing the community as densely populated and typically safe.

(This story was updated to add new information.)