Boy, 16, charged with double murder of girl, 15, & brother, 9, in horrific home shooting as cops warn of dating violence

A TEEN boy has been charged with the murders of a 15-year-old girl and her nine-year-old brother after they were found shot dead inside their family home. The 16-year-old suspect was arrested just one day after the siblings were laid to rest. A 16-year-old boy faces murder charges for the shooting deaths of a girl and her brother Credit: CBS Several police cars and officers were called to the scene in Gwynn Oak, Maryland Credit: CBS The 16-year-old is accused of killing Giovanna Myrie, 15, and Steve Allen, nine Credit: WBFF Police are investigating the motive and how the suspect obtained the firearm for the killings Credit: CBS Keith Maurice James Jr. has been charged as an adult with two counts of first-degree murder over the deaths of Giovanna “Gigi” Myrie and her younger brother Steve Allen in Gwynn Oak, Maryland. The siblings were allegedly gunned down inside their home on Talles Road on July 7 before their parents returned home and made the horrifying discovery, according to CBS. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Police said James knew both children and had some form of personal relationship with Giovanna, although detectives have not confirmed whether it was a friendship or romantic relationship, Fox Baltimore reported. Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said investigators believe the suspect had visited the home before the killings. “All I can say is we do know that he had been at the home before, maybe even several days prior, that we can confirm at least on, to our knowledge, on July 4th,” McCullough said. Detectives also allegedly placed James in the neighborhood on the night of the shootings using surveillance footage. “He was on camera in several ways throughout the community. He had been in the area prior to the crime and, of course, he was in the area after the crime,” the chief said. James is being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center. Most read in The Sun Police have not revealed a possible motive and said they are still trying to determine how the 16-year-old allegedly obtained the gun. McCullough described the case as deeply disturbing, saying: “It’s troubling when you consider how horrific this crime was carried out. It was terrible. “When you reflect on the fact that the child just turned 16, he carried on this crime, and did it in the manner that he did, it’s troubling.” The suspect was arrested one day after the siblings were laid to rest Credit: WBFF Dozens of mourners gathered at the St. Casimir Church for their funeral Credit: WBFF The police chief also said the investigation pointed to a wider issue affecting young people. “We need to make sure we know who our kids are associating with. The final issue is dating violence, teen violence between people who have relationships. We need to be mindful of those things,” said McCullough. He added investigators took extra care because of the suspect’s age. “It took longer than I wanted it to; however, we had to make sure that we put together a very airtight case considering the age of the suspect in this case,” he said. The arrest came a day after mourners gathered at St. Casimir Church for the siblings’ funeral. Family and friends were black and yellow in tribute to the children’s favorite colors before the pair were taken to their final resting place. In a statement shared through the family, their loved ones said: “Steve and Gigi were deeply loved by so many, and their love, laughter, and beautiful spirits will forever remain in our hearts.” They also thanked supporters, adding: “Your kindness has brought us comfort beyond words.” Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klaumeier praised detectives after the arrest. “I would like to say how sad a day like today is,” she said. “Please keep the families in your prayers. I am pleased that the police department did such a great, quick job on this part of the situation.” Baltimore City Councilmember Julian Jones said he was shocked by the allegations. “I am just taken back by the fact that young people, at the age of 16 years old, would not only have access to a gun but have the propensity to actually murder someone, murder two people,” he said. “We can’t stop random acts of violence, but just trust and believe that when these violence are perpetrated here in Baltimore County, we will not leave any stones unturned before we make an arrest and take that person to justice.” Comment now