Investigation Underway After 2 Children Killed Inside Gwynn Oak Home: Police

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A search is underway in Baltimore County after two young children were fatally shot inside their home in the Gwynn Oak area.

Baltimore County Police said the incident took place late Tuesday on the 6100 block of Talles Road. Police were called to the area shortly before 7:30 p.m. after receiving a call from the parents.

Moments after arriving at the home, officers found a 9-year-old and a 15-year-old with apparent gunshot wounds. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.

'Never Have I Seen Something Like This'

Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said during a late news briefing that the two children were thought to be siblings, adding that the case appeared to be an isolated incident.

McCullough did not disclose their names but did state one of the children was a girl and the other a boy.

"I've seen a lot of things in my career, but this is something that's horrific, that's tragic. It's something that doesn't happen in this community here," McCullough said.

"I've worked here for a long time and the worst thing we get here are speeding complaints, noise complaints, neighbor complaints. Never have I seen something like this before in this neighborhood."

A Community Shocked

One neighbor at the Gwynn Oak community told CBS Baltimore that they were preparing dinner Tuesday night when she suddenly heard "horrific screams."

"I went to the window, and at that time, I saw a woman coming out — bent over, coming from her house," she said, adding that the family had only recently moved into the neighborhood.

$2,000 Reward Offered

No details were released on potential suspects, a weapon, or if there were any signs of a forced entry at the residence. It's also unclear whether anyone was at home when the shooting took place.

McCullough said police patrols would be stepped up in the neighborhood as the investigation gets underway.

Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact investigators by calling (410) 887-4636 or reaching the Metro Crime Stoppers at 1 (866) 756-2587.

Online tips can also be submitted through the Metro Crime Stoppers website or the department's iWATCH program. Officials are offering a $2,000 reward for eligible tips.