Baltimore County found itself gripped by shock and grief on a Tuesday afternoon in March 2025, as a 16-year-old student from Lansdowne High School was fatally shot just outside a liquor store adjacent to the school. The incident, unfolding in the 3900 block of Hollins Ferry Road, near Kings Liquors, has ignited a wave of community concern and prompted a vigorous police investigation.
According to Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, the tragedy occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. The young victim, who had been absent from school that day, was approached by an assailant who opened fire. The suspect, displaying a chilling resolve, continued to discharge the weapon even after the teenager collapsed. In a desperate attempt to seek refuge, the victim tried to reach the perceived safety of Lansdowne High School, but his injuries proved too severe.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, transporting the critically injured student to a local hospital. Tragically, medical efforts were unsuccessful, and the young man was pronounced dead. The location of the shooting, though not on school property, was close enough to trigger immediate protective measures. Lansdowne High School was placed on lockdown as a precautionary step, ensuring the safety of students and staff within its walls.
In the aftermath of the shooting, school officials moved to communicate with parents and guardians. A letter was disseminated, outlining the events and the school’s response. The message conveyed the urgency of the situation, stating that reports of a shooting at the nearby shopping center had prompted an immediate lockdown and contact with the Baltimore County Police. The letter also announced the cancellation of all after-school and evening activities, and a commitment to providing further updates as the investigation progressed.
The Baltimore County Police Department has dedicated significant resources to the investigation, working diligently to identify and apprehend the suspect. At this juncture, authorities have not released specific details regarding a potential motive or a description of the individual responsible for the shooting. The investigation is still in its early stages, with detectives pursuing all available leads.
The proximity of the incident to the school has amplified the community’s sense of vulnerability. It has also rekindled discussions about safety measures and the prevalence of gun violence in the area. Local residents have expressed a mixture of anger and sorrow, with many calling for increased police presence and more effective strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The trauma extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the school and the victim’s family, reverberating throughout the wider community. The incident has prompted a renewed focus on the need for mental health support and resources for young people, as well as a broader examination of the societal factors that contribute to violence.
Baltimore County officials have pledged to provide ongoing support to the school and the community as they grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event. They have also emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, school officials, and community members in addressing the root causes of violence.
The police department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. They have provided contact details for the Baltimore County Police Department, as well as a number for Metro Crime Stoppers, allowing individuals to provide anonymous tips. The authorities are counting on the public’s assistance to bring the perpetrator to justice and to provide some measure of closure to the grieving community.