Husband of Navy Mother Killed By Stray Bullet In Annapolis Thanks Community for Support At Emotional Vigil
ANNAPOLIS (WJZ) -- For the first time, an emotional Leonard 'Truck' Cummings II spoke about his wife Michelle's murder. As tears welled in his eyes at her vigil, loved ones told him he didn't have to make a statement, but he wanted to thank those who have comforted the family.
"I'd like to thank the city and the community for all you are doing to help me and my family—my son and my daughter—through this process," Cummings said.
His voice cracked when he said his wife's name.
He was sitting next to her on the patio at The Graduate Hotel in Annapolis early Tuesday morning when police believe stray bullets struck and killed Michelle. The widower said there's just too much violence in this world.
"…This has happened to my family," an emotional Cummings told mourners.
He and his wife were in Annapolis to see their son Trey's induction into the Naval Academy.
Police have yet to catch the killer and have partnered with the FBI, ATF and Maryland State Police. A reward in the case has grown to $32,000. The bullets were fired at people sitting in an suv behind the hotel. They went through the trees and a fence before striking her. Police said they have interviewed the intended targets.
"I want to say to the killer: Please turn yourself in. Stop all this nonsense. Stop hiding," retired Annapolis police Sgt. James Spearman told the mourners.
Dozens of people came together to pray for the family and let them know they have their unconditional support.
"We will take care of Trey Cummings here in Annapolis," Navy alum Darren Forward told his father. "That will happen."
Michelle Cummings' mother spoke about the tragic loss from her home in Louisiana.
"I'm going to miss her. I just can't picture myself without her. That was my first baby," Audrey Jordan said of her daughter.
More than $130,000 had been raised for the Cummings family by Friday evening through a GoFundMe.
Anyone with tips on the case can contact investigators at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
