Baltimore, Maryland — A 23-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder following the tragic death of 12-year-old Khloe Ishway, who was caught in a gunfight over a parking dispute at a local park. Police took Tyree Reynolds into custody on October 6, after he was released from the hospital, where he was being treated for injuries sustained during the shooting.
The incident occurred on October 3 at Leon Day Park, where the Charm City Buccaneers, a youth football and cheerleading organization, were holding homecoming festivities. Witnesses reported that an argument over a parking space escalated into a shooting that resulted in five individuals being injured. Khloe was in the area with her mother, who was delivering a bottle for her infant brother, and was not the intended target, according to law enforcement officials.
Police investigators quickly identified Reynolds through surveillance footage, revealing that he had a short-barreled rifle in his possession when he opened fire on two men. They returned fire, wounding him in the ankle, but his shots tragically found Khloe. Reports indicate that he made conflicting statements to investigators, claiming he was at the scene but denying that he had fired a weapon.
In the aftermath of the shooting, which took place during a crowded event, law enforcement officials implemented a lockdown on the surrounding streets, while homicide detectives launched a full investigation. Four of the five injured individuals, aged 23, 25, 28, and 35, were stabilized and expected to survive their wounds. The 25-year-old woman is reportedly the mother of a player in the Buccaneers organization.
Reynolds, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, waived his right to a bond hearing and remains held without bond. Just days before the incident, he had been released from prison, which has raised questions about the decision-making processes leading to his early release. Mayor Brandon Scott addressed these concerns, stating that a letter from victim services in support of Reynolds’ release was improperly handled, and affirmed that measures would be taken to prevent any similar oversight in the future.
The community has rallied in the wake of Khloe’s death, with hundreds participating in a “Justice for Khloe” peace walk through West Baltimore. Those in attendance expressed their outrage and called for justice while honoring Khloe’s memory. Her mother, Kristin Reese, urged attendees to remember Khloe for the joyful person she was rather than the tragic circumstances of her passing.
Mourners held a candlelight vigil on October 6 with balloons and tributes, emphasizing their desire for peace in the community. Local leaders and family members have called for greater safety measures at youth sporting events to protect children from violence. Khloe’s school community has also been affected; counselors were deployed to support students and staff grieving the loss of the seventh grader known for her cheerful demeanor.
As police continue to seek the second gunman involved in the shooting, authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. The ongoing investigation underscores the urgent need for measures to curb gun violence and protect vulnerable community members, especially children.