9-year-old ‘playing’ with gun shoots and kills 15-year-old girl, Baltimore police say

A 9-year-old boy is accused of shooting and killing a 15-year-old girl in Baltimore, according to the Baltimore Police Department.

Investigators believe the boy was “playing” with the gun when it fired, police said in a news release.

The victim, Nykayia Strawder, was struck in the head by a bullet, police said.

It happened shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, in the 600 block of Linnard Street in west Baltimore.

“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,” police said.

“The 9-year-old then dropped the gun and fled the location,” according to police.

Police say the girl was “unresponsive” when she was taken to the hospital.

A serial number on the gun revealed it belonged to a woman who is related to the suspect and works as “an armed security guard,” police said.

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

“This is an open and ongoing investigation. The Department is working closely with the State’s Attorney’s Office and potential charges related to this incident are pending.”

This story was originally published August 8, 2022 at 7:24 AM with the headline "9-year-old ‘playing’ with gun shoots and kills 15-year-old girl, Baltimore police say."