12-year-old girl caught in crossfire dies in Baltimore shooting

A 12-year-old girl was killed and at least three adults were wounded after two men exchanged gunfire during an apparent dispute over a parking space near a youth football event in Baltimore, Maryland, police said.

The shooting happened at about 6:15 p.m. on Saturday at Leon Day Park in West Baltimore, where a youth football league was holding a homecoming event.

Police officers responding to reports of gunfire found the girl and a 25-year-old woman suffering from gunshot wounds, while two men later went to area hospitals for treatment.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said preliminary information indicated that two men had argued over a parking space before opening fire on each other.

The girl was not believed to have been a target and was instead caught in the crossfire.

“She was probably down there watching football,” Worley said, describing the gunmen as “cowards” and appealing to witnesses to help investigators identify those responsible.

The girl was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead. The three adults were treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to police.

Local reports identified the girl as Khloe Ishway, whose family said she was at the park only briefly when the shooting occurred.

CBS Baltimore reported that a 28-year-old man, a 23-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman also sought treatment for gunshot wounds, although initial police and Associated Press reports counted three surviving adult victims.

The shooting erupted near a youth football game and sent players, families and spectators scrambling for safety.

The Baltimore Banner reported that the event had been taking place amid a festive homecoming atmosphere before the gunfire brought the gathering to an abrupt end. Witnesses described children running from the park as people sought cover.

Police said they were searching for at least two suspects and had not announced any arrests as of Sunday.

Investigators were still processing the large park and had not determined how many shots were fired.

Authorities urged anyone who witnessed the shooting or had information about the suspects to contact detectives.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the shooting, saying it was unconscionable that an argument between two adults had ended with a child losing her life.

“Two grown men got into an argument, and now a 12-year-old is gone,” Scott said, calling the incident one of the most disturbing things he had seen.

Khloe's death has left her family and the local community mourning.

Her mother, Kristin Reese, told CBS Baltimore that her daughter loved dancing, music and spending time with family.

A peace walk in her honour was scheduled for Monday.