BALTIMORE (WBFF) — As Baltimore police investigate whether the same group of suspects could be responsible for both the violent beating of a 74-year-old man and a weekend robbery at the same 7-Eleven, questions about juvenile crime and accountability continue to mount.
The latest development comes after Baltimore Police confirmed the Liberty Heights Road convenience store where the July attack occurred was robbed over the weekend. The investigation remains active, and no arrests have been made.
A BPD spokesperson told FOX45 News detectives have not ruled out the possibility that the robbery suspects are the same people involved in the earlier assault that was captured on surveillance video and widely shared online.
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The video shows six young suspects surrounding the 74-year-old victim outside the 7-Eleven in the early morning hours. One suspect appears to be carrying a sword while another appears to be armed with an assault-style rifle. The group knocks the man to the ground before repeatedly kicking him as he lies defenseless.
The footage has generated widespread outrage, with many community members questioning whether Maryland’s juvenile justice system is doing enough to address repeat young offenders.
In response to those concerns, FOX45 News asked Gov. Wes Moore, Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk several questions Friday, including their reaction to the video, whether juvenile justice would be discussed during next month’s special legislative session, whether they believe the Department of Juvenile Services is adequately addressing repeat juvenile crime, and what message they have for residents who feel not enough is being done.
As of Monday, neither the governor’s office nor Ferguson had responded.
Speaker Peña-Melnyk issued a statement Friday calling the attack “deeply disturbing.”
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“The people involved in this attack need to be held accountable,” the speaker said, adding that she has confidence Baltimore city leaders will address the incident.
However, Peña-Melnyk did not say whether she believes changes to Maryland’s juvenile justice laws are needed. She also did not answer whether lawmakers would discuss juvenile crime during the special legislative session scheduled for Aug. 3-5, which is expected to focus on congressional redistricting.
FOX45 News spoke with Baltimore residents after the 7-Eleven was robbed, and several said they are growing more frustrated with crimes involving young people.
“I would say it’s probably because it’s no more recreational centers for kids,” Baltimore resident Tat Burch said. “It’s like nothing for them to do. Like when I was growing up, I’m an 80’s baby, so we had little recreational centers that we could go to. Now it’s like they don’t exist.”
“You know kids right now don’t have anything to do. Nothing. The mayor and Baltimore City, the whole council is corrupt,” resident James Scott said.
Meanwhile, Baltimore Police continue searching for the suspects involved in both the assault and the weekend robbery.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Baltimore Police or Metro Crime Stoppers.
Follow Political Reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook. Send tips to mbfrost@sbgtv.com.
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