Catonsville, MD – A child and two adults were found dead in a Catonsville home Thursday in what Baltimore County police are calling an apparent murder-suicide. The tragic discovery occurred after officers responded to a welfare check on Wilton Farm Drive around 3:30 p.m.
Victims Identified
Authorities confirmed that 42-year-old Chantel Sharieff and her 6-year-old daughter, Kimana Sharieff, were found inside the home with trauma and gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police identified 43-year-old Mustafa Sharieff as the suspected shooter. He was also found at the residence with self-inflicted gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on site.
At this time, police have not released a motive for the shooting. Investigators continue to collect information about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Police Investigation
Baltimore County officers responded to the home after receiving a “check on subject” call, a common welfare check to ensure residents’ safety. Authorities urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Baltimore County Police Department.
“This is a tragic situation,” a police spokesperson said. “We are continuing to investigate to determine all contributing factors. Community safety and understanding the events surrounding this incident remain our priorities.”
Neighbor Reactions
Neighbors described the neighborhood as quiet, expressing shock over the violent incident.
John Sherikjian, who recently moved in nearby, said,
“It’s pretty shocking happening across the street, just moving in now. I got there at like 10 p.m., and it was like completely surrounded, and I had to get an escort from my car, and I had to park down there.”
Another neighbor, Tony Vithayathil, recalled hearing occasional arguments from the home, but said he never heard gunshots.
“A couple lived in the home with a child who was around four years old. Arguing, stuff like that, but I never heard any shots,” Vithayathil said. “I heard that she’s not coming to work, so they called and texted and got no reaction. Then someone came over here and knocked on the door, and no reaction. Then they called the police.”
Community Impact
The shocking deaths have left neighbors shaken, with the community grappling with the sudden loss of a young child and two adults. Police continue to emphasize the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or relevant information to assist in the investigation.
Baltimore County authorities remain committed to supporting the affected families while seeking clarity on the circumstances of this tragic incident.
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