Double Shooting at Royal Farms Near Horseshoe Casino Leaves One Dead

Baltimore police investigators worked through the early evening of December 10 after gunfire erupted in the Royal Farms parking lot located at the 800 block of Cross Street and 1500 Russell Street, across from Horseshoe Casino. Officers in the area reported hearing shots and a ShotSpotter alert directed them to the scene. Detectives placed dozens of evidence markers as they processed the lot, and described the shooting as targeted and isolated to the gas station property.

A 26 year old man died in the incident, and a 22 year old was wounded. Police said they know of at least one suspect and that the investigation is ongoing. Witnesses at the scene described shock and commotion as first responders arrived. Detectives asked anyone with information to contact Baltimore Police or Metro Crime Stoppers.

The shooting occurred in a part of the city that draws both visitors and workers, amplifying concerns about public safety in commercial corridors. Beyond the immediate criminal investigation, the event carries broader public health implications. Fatal and non fatal shootings add to community trauma, strain emergency medical services, and raise demand for hospital and mental health resources. For residents and workers near the site, the violence can erode a sense of safety and increase anxiety about daily routines.

This incident also underscores structural questions about how the city prevents violence and supports neighborhoods affected by it. The use of ShotSpotter in this case illustrates one tool for rapid law enforcement response, while detectives continued to seek leads from the public. Addressing violence requires coordinated investment in emergency response capacity, trauma informed care, and community based prevention strategies that focus on root causes such as economic inequity and access to services.

As detectives pursue leads, police urged anyone with information to come forward to Baltimore Police or Metro Crime Stoppers. Continued community cooperation and attention to long term prevention will be essential to reducing the ripple effects of shootings on public safety and health in Baltimore.