By Madeline Stewart
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
A 14-year-old boy was arrested Tuesday in connection with the death of a teen last week, drawing special attention from Baltimore officials in a city that already has counted 49 homicides since the beginning of the year.
Jaileel Jones, 15, was killed last Thursday in the 5100 block of Chalgrove Avenue. Baltimore Police Department homicide detectives investigating the incident determined that Jones and the juvenile suspect knew each other and had an argument prior to the murder.
The 14-year-old was arrested and taken to Central Booking where he was charged with first- degree murder and other related charges.
The ages of the boys in the murder case prompted quick responses from both Police Commissioner Michael Harrison and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
“This is truly a tragic incident for the victim, suspect and all of their loved ones who are now negatively impacted and are left with the trauma of this senseless act of violence,” Harrison said. “Prior to this incident, members of our Northwest District were working alongside Mr. Jones in helping him find employment and other pathways away from crime.
Three months into the year, 49 homicides have occurred in Baltimore. Last year, the total number of homicides was 335, including 16 victims who were minors.
“This is a complete tragedy,” said Scott. “The lives of two young men have been devastated by this incident, forever impacting two families. This incident also illustrates why we must address violence with a comprehensive strategy — one that does not solely rely on police, but that focuses on investing in our young people and providing our communities with meaningful support they need.”
Scott and Harrison announced in January an overhaul of the zoning for heavily police patrolled neighborhoods to focus on newly crime-heavy areas based on recent data. This action reduced the number of zones from 131 to 81, encouraging more frequent police presence in specific areas where police can focus on overall neighborhood wellness. Scott said the effort promotes a holistic community-focused approach to reduce crime.
“We must continue to work every day and even harder to disrupt the violence that is tearing our communities and families apart, to include our youth,” Harrison said in response to the Jones homicide. “Our department is committed to working alongside all of those in Baltimore to break the cycle of violence and bring to justice those that wish to cause harm in our city.”
Police made another arrest on Tuesday in connection with a Feb. 27 shooting that left a 10-year-old girl and two adult men wounded in West Baltimore.
Tirik Trotman, 27, was arrested by Warrant Apprehension detectives and taken to Central Booking where he was charged with three counts of first-degree attempted murder, three counts of reckless endangerment, and related charges.
Officers said the shooting erupted in the 2300 block of North Fulton Avenue, where two men, one aged 45 and the other 23, were found wounded. The 10-year-old girl was the third victim. She was found suffering from a gunshot wound in the 2300 block of Avalon Avenue.
Shortly after the shooting, police arrested Nathanial Diggs, 23, and charged him with discharging a firearm, reckless endangerment, and other handgun violations. He is being held without bail, police said.