BALTIMORE (AP) — Detectives in Baltimore are investigating the death of a 5-year-old girl earlier this week as a homicide, police announced Wednesday as the city marked its 300th homicide this year.
Police say officers were called to a Northeast Baltimore home Monday for a report of an unresponsive 5-year-old girl.
Officers tried to render aid to the girl and medics took her to a hospital, where police say she was pronounced dead.
The girl, identified as Nivea Anderson, had bruising on her face from prior abuse, police said, and homicide detectives assumed control of the investigation.
Mayor Brandon Scott expressed his outrage as the city recorded the 300th homicide of the year.
I am outraged that Baltimore recorded its 300th homicide of the year tonight. This number provokes more than just pain and disappointment over the sheer loss of life; it forces us to think about the families and communities that will forever be impacted.
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) November 18, 2021
Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/au5RmqLDrR