A 12-year-old girl was killed and four other people were injured when gunfire erupted near a youth football homecoming event in West Baltimore, turning what was supposed to be a family gathering into a devastating scene.
Khloe Ishway was at Leon Day Park on Oct. 3 when the shooting broke out near the football fields. Police said the violence began after an argument involving a parking space and escalated into gunfire.
Khloe was with her mother at the time. Her mother had reportedly stopped at the event to bring a bottle for Khloe’s baby brother.
Police said officers were called to the 1200 block of North Franklintown Road around 6:15 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Khloe was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Four adults were also injured. The victims included a 25-year-old woman, two men ages 23 and 28, and a 35-year-old woman who later went to a hospital with a graze wound to her back. Baltimore police said the surviving victims were listed in stable condition.
Police say shooting followed parking dispute
According to charging documents, 23-year-old Tyree Reynolds was in a parking area near the football fields when two men approached him. An argument appeared to follow, and the two men walked away.
Investigators say surveillance footage then showed Reynolds reaching into a backpack, pulling out a firearm and firing toward the men.
One of the men reportedly returned fire and struck Reynolds in the ankle. Investigators believe the direction of the gunfire is significant because Reynolds was allegedly shooting toward the football field, where Khloe and other people were gathered, while the other gunfire was directed away from the field.
Police later recovered evidence consistent with the shooting, and investigators used surveillance footage to identify Reynolds.
Authorities arrested Reynolds on Oct. 6. He has been charged with first-degree murder along with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and other offenses.
A judge later denied bail, and Reynolds remained in custody while the case moved forward. Police have also said they are continuing to look for a second suspect connected to the shooting.
Khloe’s family remembers her
For Khloe’s family, the tragedy has left a painful absence that goes far beyond the headlines.
Her mother, Kristin Reese, has described the days following her daughter’s death as extremely difficult. Family members have asked people to remember Khloe for the person she was rather than only for the circumstances of her death.
Khloe’s grandmother also spoke about how close they were. She described Khloe as a loving granddaughter, daughter and big sister who enjoyed helping around the home and stayed in regular contact with her family.
The family and community later gathered for a vigil and peace walk in Khloe’s memory. Hundreds of people came together in West Baltimore, carrying flowers, balloons and signs calling for justice.
The gatherings also reflected the broader grief surrounding the shooting. Community members said a disagreement over a parking space should never have ended with a child losing her life.
Reynolds had recently been released from prison
The arrest has also raised questions about Reynolds’ criminal history and the timing of his release from prison.
Court records show Reynolds previously pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and using a firearm during a felony or violent crime. He received a 15-year sentence, with all but five years suspended, and served the five-year portion.
According to updated local reporting, Reynolds was released from custody only days before the Oct. 3 shooting. A reported that records indicate he completed the remaining portion of his sentence and was released eight days before police say he became involved in the shooting.
That development has drawn additional attention to the circumstances surrounding his earlier sentence and release.
Investigation remains active
Baltimore police continue to investigate the shooting and the involvement of the other person believed to be connected to the gunfire.
Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact homicide detectives at 410-396-2100. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Metro Crime Stoppers.
For Khloe’s family, however, the investigation cannot undo what happened. A day that was supposed to center on children, football and community ended with a 12-year-old girl losing her life.
Her family and neighbors are now left remembering Khloe while waiting for the legal process to determine what happened and who will ultimately be held responsible.
