Residents call for tougher action after repeat offenders indicted

BALTIMORE, Md. (WBFF) — Two recent murder indictments are bringing a fresh wave of concern about public safety in Baltimore.

A 12-year-old girl was shot at a youth football game and a 76-year-old woman was killed after an alleged robbery, prompting prosecutors to charge two men in separate high-profile cases. The indictments are reigniting debate within the community.

Some Baltimore residents say keeping repeat violent offenders off the streets is the best way to prevent future violence. “They shouldn’t be let out. If they hurt somebody, shot somebody, a violent crime, they should not be let-out,” said one resident. Another resident added, “It doesn’t give me a safe feeling.”

ALSO READ | ‘We’re tired of losing our babies’: Community mourns 12-year-old Khloe Ishway

Prosecutors say Tyree Reynolds, who is accused of killing the 12-year-old, was already banned from having a gun due to previous convictions. Montray McCray, who faces charges in the death of 76-year-old Claudia Bismark, is also charged in a separate robbery just days earlier.

Some residents say they avoid going outside after dark due to fear of violence. “I don’t come out at night because I’m afraid. I’m 76 years old. I’m a afraid to come out into the dark. Because of these young people and what they are doing. The book need to be thrown at them, at them,” said a Baltimore woman.

Others in the city believe longer sentences alone will not prevent future tragedies. “The main thing that needs to be happening is the reform. Once you get out, there’s really no plan or help or assistance or guidance or any anyone even watching the ex-cons when they come out to make sure that they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing and staying out of trouble,” said a Baltimore resident.

ALSO READ | Two Baltimore men indicted for deadly shooting of child, attack on seniors

For these residents, job placement and support for people leaving prison are key. “Mostly just that job placement for ex-cons. Like once they come home, they need something to keep them busy. They need something for them to do. And we need something that keeps them monitored,” another Baltimore resident said.

As residents call for answers and change, Baltimore’s top prosecutor has promised the strongest punishment allowed by law. “We will only give these four letters: L-I-F-E. We will give life,” said State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.

Prosecutors say both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty and they will seek a sentence of life without parole if there is a conviction. The search for solutions to prevent the next tragedy in Baltimore continues.