Asian Refugee Gunned Down In Baltimore City; No Arrests Made
BALTIMORE (WJZ)— He escaped persecution in Southeast Asia only to be gunned down in Baltimore. Nine days after a South Asian refugee was fatally shot, police still don't have anyone in custody.
Andrea Fujii explains they're hoping someone will come forward with information.
Big Bahadur Gurung, 20, thought he'd found safety in the United States, having spent most his life in a Bhutanese refugee camp.
But on Aug. 23, Gurung and his 17-year-old nephew were walking down Bowleys Lane in Northeast Baltimore when they encountered an armed robber.
"He was in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Holly Leon-Lierman, International Rescue Committee.
Police say the suspect shot the 17-year-old, and Gurung then tried to wrestle the gun away but was shot in the chest and later died.
The Baltimore International Rescue Committee helps refugees like Gurung assimilate into society.
"They were seeking freedom. They were seeking safety here. This was a chance for them to start their life anew," said Leon-Lierman.
From a small South Asian country near Nepal, he lived most of his life in a tent.
The center teaches refugees how to stay safe.
"Walking in lighted areas, making sure that you have some kind of buddy system, not travelling alone," said Leon-Lierman.
And their innocence may be why police say South Asian refugees are being targeted.
"From what we understand, they're being targeted by some of the locals," said Det. Donny Moses, Baltimore Police Department. "This is not the first incident that's happened."
Dreams have been cut short. Gurung was killed the day before he was about to start a new job.
The United States had granted Gurung sanctuary here two months ago. If you have any information on his killer, please call police.
