BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — An arrest in the killings of two children in Gwynn Oak is bringing a measure of relief to neighbors who say they are still shaken by what happened on Talles Road.
Sixteen-year-old Keith Maurice James Jr. is accused in the murders of 15-year-old Giovanna Myrie and her 9-year-old brother, Steve Allen. Neighbors who knew the victims and their family said they have been closely watching the case since the deadly discovery inside the home.
“I was devastated, absolutely devastated,” said Diana Harris, a neighbor. Another neighbor said, “I was more shocked than anything.”
Exdol Williams, who lives across the street from the victims’ home, said he wants to see how the case plays out in court. “I really want to see what’s going to happen when it gets to court,” he said.
Williams said the loss has hit especially hard on the block. “My house and their house is only two houses with kids on the block. Now my son don’t have his little buddy to play with anymore,” he said.
He also said he wants the family to have closure. “I just want closure for the family. The family is very close to me and most of these neighbors around here, I want closure from the mom and the grandmother and the rest of the family members,” Williams said.
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Giovanna and Steve were found fatally shot inside their home July 7. Their mother arrived home, found her children dead and called police. Their father arrived later.
Baltimore County police announced James’ arrest Wednesday. At a news conference, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough did not provide a motive for the shooting, but said he believed Allen may have been killed because he was a witness to what may have transpired.
“It’s troubling when you consider how horrific this crime was carried out. It was terrible, and when you reflect on the fact that a child who had just turned 16 carried out this crime and did it in the manner and the way that he did, it’s it’s troubling,” McCullough said.
In the neighborhood, some residents said they want severe punishment if James is convicted. “Life in prison. I mean, to me, if somebody can commit a crime like that, that, I mean a 9-year-old and a 15-year old, point blank, to me that just means that they should never see the light of day. But that’s my opinion,” Harris said.
At a hearing Thursday, James’ attorney argued that the suspect be transferred to a secure juvenile facility. Prosecutors argued against it, and the judge agreed. James is charged as an adult and faces two counts of murder.
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