Flanked by Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott and the city’s top law enforcement officials, State’s Attorney Ivan Bates announced indictments in two high-profile killings during a news conference on Oct. 29.
In both cases, prosecutors will seek convictions of life without parole.
“The callous nature of these crimes, the defendant’s lengthy criminal histories, and their blatant disregard for the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community demand the strongest response under the law,” said Bates.
One case involved the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old girl and the wounding of three others attending football games at a homecoming celebration; the other an assault and robbery of an elderly couple that ended in the death of a 76-year-old woman.
The two defendants are Tyree Reynolds, 23, and Montray McCray, 32.
Reynolds is accused in a 29-count indictment in an incident at Leon Day Park on Oct. 3. According to a release from the State’s Attorney’s office, Reynolds was involved in a dispute that escalated into a shooting in which another individual with a legally registered firearm returned fire. Hundreds of attendees were put in harm’s way.
Khloe Ishway was caught in the crossfire and taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital where the child died from her wounds.
Reynolds was identified as a suspect through surveillance footage. Baltimore Police also recovered shell fragments, DNA in addition to eyewitness accounts.
His charges include first-degree murder, five counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, six counts of use of a high-capacity magazine in the commission of a crime of violence, four counts of first-degree attempted murder, four counts of second-degree attempted murder, four counts of first-degree assault, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, illegal possession of a rifle, having a loaded handgun on his person, illegal possession of ammunition, and having a handgun on his person.
McCray, meanwhile, is accused of stalking an elderly couple after they were eating breakfast at Vikki’s Restaurant on Sept. 29. Then, according to the State’s Attorney, McCray, a trained boxer, punched and knocked the husband to the ground, as well his wife, Claudia Bismark, who struck her head on the ground. McCray then ran away with the husband’s wallet.
McCray is indicted on first-degree murder and robbery related to Bismark’s death. He is also being indicted in another case for robbery and second-degree assault.
“On first-degree murder, we are not going to negotiate, we are not giving a number. We will only give these four letters. Now, L-I-F-E. We will give your life. You want to do these mass shootings, and you strike children – the most vulnerable. You already understand, we’re seeking life without the possibility of parole,” said Bates.
Bates’ strong message was underscored by the mayor.
“For anyone who is listening – who thinks that making these kinds of choices, engaging in violent crime, causing irreparable harm to your community, is cool, what makes you more of a man – you’re going to be in for a rude awakening,” Scott said.
Bates and Scott praised law enforcement officials for their extensive investigation and making arrests in both cases.
