Three Arrested in Fatal Shooting of 15-Year-Old in East Baltimore

By the time police arrived on the 3500 block of Brehms Lane in East Baltimore, neighbors such as Byrell Hopkins had already taken cover from what sounded like a barrage of gunfire. Hopkins recounted, "The kids were running through the alley, and I didn't think anything of it at first. Then, I heard about four shots."

It now appears that the incident involved a pursuit of a vehicle in the area, which was met with gunfire. Tragically, 15-year-old John Lewis was struck in the back seat of the car and died from his injuries.

Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the shooting: Robsheead Alexander, 35 years old, along with 19-year-olds Zion Wimbish and RaShawn Smith. Smith sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during the incident and was transported to a local hospital. Authorities apprehended him there and formally charged him with the murder. Witnesses recall seeing Smith limping out of a nearby alley, appearing visibly spooked before being taken into custody.

Hopkins described the event, saying, "He looked down this way. He looked like he got spooked, and then he saw his friends or whoever walking up the alley. By the time I moved from the kitchen window to the middle window, the police had him on the ground and under arrest."

This violent act has left a young man’s life cut short and has deeply impacted others in the community, with no apparent motive for the shooting. Malachi Jones, who had just left a nearby community event at Civic Works, shared his condolences, stating, "I was at the Brooklyn Days experience when about thirty people were shot at a block party. It’s terrible. I just feel so bad for that young man."

Jones emphasized the importance of steering clear of gang-related lifestyles, saying, "A lot of people in Baltimore need to stay out of the way and stop living that gangster lifestyle, because it’s not worth it."