15-Year-Old Girl Shot and Killed in Baltimore by 9-Year-Old Playing with Loaded Gun

Jeff Jones

BALTIMORE, MD – A tragedy unfolded this weekend in Baltimore when a 9-year-old boy playing with the loaded legally owned gun of a relative who works as a security guard accidentally shot a 15-year-old girl in the head, killing her.

Police identified the teenage girl as 15-year-old Nykayia Strawder. Homicide detectives have identified a 9-year-old male as the suspect.

According to police, on Saturday, the shooting took place in the 600 block of Linnard Street.

Investigators spoke to several witnesses at the scene who informed them that the 9-year-old male was playing with a loaded handgun when it accidentally discharged, striking the 14-year-old in the head.


Investigators spoke to several witnesses at the scene who informed them that the 9-year-old male was playing with a loaded handgun when it was accidentally discharged, striking the 14-year-old in the head, police said in a report released on Sunday.

The 9-year-old then dropped the gun and fled the location.

“A search and seizure warrant was obtained. Officers gained possession of the gun and ran the serial number. Officers learned that the weapon is registered to an adult female who is a relative of the 9-year-old. That family member serves as an armed security guard,” Baltimore police said in a statement.

In accordance with state law and due to the age of the 9-year-old, he can not be charged with a crime, police announced today.

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