Barber Shop Murder Suspects Caught On Surveillance
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Murdered at the barber shop and the killers are caught on tape. Baltimore City Police say technology helped them quickly solve one the of city's latest murders.
Adam May reports now the mayor wants more money for the program.
On the struggling west side of downtown Baltimore, Dwight Taylor was getting a haircut when two men walked in to a barber shop and opened fire. But a reliable witness was perched right above the crime scene.
"When the suspects fled the location, they were seen on Citiwatch cameras. A short time later they were caught by city police and quickly apprehended and arrested," said Anthony Guglielmi, police spokesman.
It's a step in the right direction for the city, once again struggling with homicides. As of Friday, they're up 11 percent compared to last year.
"My goal isn't to talk about homicide numbers," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. "My goal is to talk about a safe city."
Two weeks ago, while talking to people in another neighborhood left shaken by violence, the mayor spoke about the important role of cameras. She's requesting 2 percent funding increase to continue servicing and maintaining the city's existing 515 cameras.
"We're gonna continue to let those in community who wish to do harm, know they are not gonna win," Rawlings-Blake said.
Police say the cameras have been effective. Just last Thursday, they caught this repeat drug and gun offender allegedly dealing again on North Avenue.
"The cameras are priceless investments, a true force multiplier for the police department," Guglielmi said. "If people think they're gonna come downtown and commit violence. Pretty likely they're gonna get caught and get caught swiftly."
Police say the barber shop murder was not random. Charges are pending.
