A 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults were wounded after gunfire erupted near a youth football homecoming event at Leon Day Park in Baltimore on October 3, 2026. Authorities said two adult men allegedly exchanged fire during an argument believed to have begun over a parking space. The girl was apparently caught in the crossfire while attending the event, and no arrests had been announced by late Saturday night. Three surviving victims were in stable condition as homicide detectives continued investigating.
Police responded to the park after receiving multiple reports of gunfire at approximately 6:15 p.m. The incident occurred in the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road, where a youth football league was holding its homecoming activities. Investigators asked anyone with information to contact Baltimore homicide detectives or Metro Crime Stoppers.
| 1) | Gunfire erupts during a youth football homecoming event |
| 2) | 12-year-old girl dies after being caught in the crossfire |
| 3) | Three adults are wounded and treated at area hospitals |
| 4) | Police search for two suspected shooters |
| 5) | Officials condemn violence and seek public assistance |
Gunfire erupts during a youth football homecoming event
The shooting took place at Leon Day Park in Baltimore on October 3, 2026, while a youth football league’s homecoming event was underway. Baltimore police officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road at about 6:15 p.m. after multiple reports of shots fired. Police Commissioner Richard Worley said the incident apparently began with an argument between two adult men and escalated into gunfire near the football gathering.
Authorities believe the disagreement may have involved a parking space. The circumstances of the dispute and the sequence of the shooting remained under investigation. Officials did not announce whether the suspects knew one another or identify a possible motive beyond the reported argument.
12-year-old girl dies after being caught in the crossfire
The girl, who was 12, was found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital. She was later pronounced dead. Investigators said she appeared to have been an unintended victim of the exchange between the two men while attending or watching the youth football event.
Commissioner Worley said the child was likely at the park to watch football when she was struck. The death brought an event intended for young athletes and their families to an abrupt and devastating end, leaving relatives, classmates and community members grieving.
Three adults are wounded and treated at area hospitals
Police also found a 25-year-old woman with an apparent gunshot wound. Separately, a 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old man went to area hospitals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds, according to authorities.
The three surviving victims were listed in stable condition Saturday evening. Police did not publicly establish whether the wounded adults were involved in the dispute, were bystanders, or were injured under other circumstances. Detectives were working to determine the full number of shots fired and the precise roles of those involved.
Police search for two suspected shooters
As of late Saturday night, Baltimore police were searching for at least two suspects described as adult men. No arrests had been announced. Homicide detectives were reviewing evidence from the park, interviewing witnesses and working to establish how the altercation developed.
The investigation remained active, and officials urged anyone who witnessed the shooting or had information about the suspects to contact authorities. Tips could be provided to homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or to Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Anonymous information was also accepted through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland.
Officials condemn violence and seek public assistance
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the shooting and said the death resulted from two adults failing to resolve an argument without guns. He described the incident as especially disturbing because it took place near a youth event and claimed the life of a child.
“Two grown men got into an argument and now a 12-year-old is gone,” Mayor Brandon Scott said.
Scott said the girl’s family, classmates and wider community would feel the consequences of her death for years. Police and city officials appealed for witnesses to share information that could help identify and locate the suspects.
| 1 | A 12-year-old girl was killed at Leon Day Park. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Three adults were wounded and listed in stable condition. |
| 3 | The shooting occurred during a youth football homecoming event. |
| 4 | Police believe two adult men exchanged fire after an argument. |
| 5 | No arrests had been announced, and detectives were seeking information. |
Summary
The shooting at Leon Day Park turned a Baltimore youth football celebration into a fatal crime scene. A 12-year-old girl died after apparently being caught in gunfire linked to an argument between two adult men, while three adults were injured. Police had not made arrests by late October 3 and were asking witnesses and tipsters to assist the homicide investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Leon Day Park?
Gunfire erupted near a youth football league’s homecoming event on October 3, 2026. Authorities believe two adult men exchanged fire during a dispute.
How many people were injured?
Three adults were wounded. A 25-year-old woman was found by police, while a 28-year-old man and a 23-year-old man went to hospitals for treatment. All three were reported to be in stable condition.
Were any suspects arrested?
No arrests had been announced by late Saturday night. Police were searching for at least two adult male suspects and asked the public to provide information.
How can witnesses contact investigators?
Information can be provided to Baltimore homicide detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Anonymous tips were also accepted through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland.