ANNAPOLIS, Md. (DC News Now) — Following a tragic incident in Annapolis over the weekend, a man is currently in custody for allegedly shooting six individuals, resulting in the deaths of three victims.
The accused, identified as 43-year-old Charles Smith, is facing charges of three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. Law enforcement authorities have stated that Smith is their sole suspect, and there is no ongoing risk to the public.
The incident occurred on Sunday night at a residence on Paddington Place in Annapolis. Local police are being assisted by the FBI, DEA, and ATF in gathering evidence, and they are also exploring the possibility that this could be classified as a hate crime.
The incident unfolded during a birthday party, but unfortunately, an argument over a parking spot between the victims and the shooter escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in this tragic outcome.
While the investigation into the motive behind the crime continues, law enforcement officials are also focusing on providing support to the community in order to facilitate the healing process.
“We want to go back down there in the days ahead, the days and weeks ahead to provide any type of outreach services to the community,” said Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson. “We know a lot of people, particularly young people, and old people for that fact, have been traumatized by the event.
Governor Wes Moore visited Annapolis on Monday to express his condolences to the families of the victims affected by the tragic incident. In his address to the media, he emphasized that prayers alone are insufficient and that his administration is committed to directly addressing the problem of violence in communities across Maryland, without hesitation or fear.
The local residents in the peaceful neighborhood are profoundly shocked by the events that unfolded.
“Around this neighborhood, it’s unheard of. It’s quiet. People are friendly,” said neighbor Rich Perry.
Tomasa Valencia rents from the mother of the birthday boy.
“The woman told me, I’m going to go celebrate my eldest son’s birthday, but it never occurred to me that this would happen,” Valencia said.
Charging documents obtained by news outlets reveal that an altercation ensued when Smith’s mother contacted a parking enforcement employee to report a vehicle obstructing their driveway.
“You didn’t have to kill someone over that,” said neighbor Alyssa Perry.
According to police reports, Mireles visited Smith’s residence to address the parking issue, leading to a confrontation between him and Smith’s mother. Subsequently, when Smith arrived home, an argument ensued between him and Mireles, escalating into a physical altercation. Allegedly, Smith retrieved a firearm during the altercation and shot Ruiz and Segovia.
“There’s a lot of evil human beings. We no longer see each other as people. We see each other as strangers, and it shouldn’t be like that,” Valencia said.
As per the charging documents, after the others fled, Smith retreated inside his residence. It is alleged that from there, he began firing shots from a long gun through the front window, resulting in the death of Nicholas Mireles, the father of Mario Mireles, and injuring three additional individuals. Smith is currently in custody and is being held without bond. Source.
