Baltimore Shootings: Homicides In Recent Weeks Make May Bloodiest Month Since 1999

Baltimore shootings during the past three weeks have set a new violent crime record, making May 2015 the deadliest month in the city since 1999. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and police officials have reportedly entered into urgent discussions about the alarming number of homicides in the city, primarily in the Western District.

The Baltimore shootings, which occurred over Memorial Day weekend, have increased the total of homicides in the city to 35 so far this month. There have reportedly been 108 homicides in Baltimore so far in 2015.

“It’s deplorable,” Baltimore City Councilman William “Pete” Welch, said. “The shootings and killings are all over the city. I don’t think any part of the city is immune to this. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is “disheartened and frustrated by this continuing violence, particularly when you think about the progress that the city has made,” according to staffer Howard Libit.

On Sunday, the Baltimore mayor reportedly met for two hours with police commissioner Anthony W. Batts and various law enforcement officials and his command staff about adjustments. The group discussed the “adjustments” the police are making.

“She is confident that the steps being taken by the Police Department will quell this latest uptick in violence,” Libit added.

In a letter written by Baltimore Police Commissioner Batts addressed to both community leaders and elected officials he stated that “several veteran leaders” have been reassigned to the Western District. Those reassigned to address the increase in Baltimore shootings included a new commander and captain in the Western District which was depicted in the HBO series, The Wire.

The Baltimore police commissioner also stated that he is “asking officers to maintain a visible and consistent presence” in the community.” Lt. Col. Melvin Russell, who commands the Police Department’s Community Partnership Division, has been reassigned to work in the Western District to in an effort to “improve relations with residents.”

“In the midst of a challenging time please be assured that the Baltimore Police Department is moving aggressively to both address the increase in violence, as well [as] to modernize and better equip ourselves for the future,” Commissioner Batts added.

In addition to the Memorial Day weekend homicides in Baltimore, eight other people were shot since during the late evening hours on Sunday and another three non-fatal shooting occurred on Monday night. The Baltimore shootings victims included a 9-year-old boy who was shot in the leg.

What do you think is causing all of the Baltimore shootings?

[Image via: Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images]