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This is why.

The news stories we read are oftentimes discarded and pushed aside by the 24-hour news cycle. But we refuse to throw these people away. These are real people. Here are their stories.

Shakeia Allen: 27-Year-Old Woman Gunned Down at Baltimore Apartment Complex

Shakeia Allen: 27-Year-Old Woman Gunned Down at Baltimore Apartment Complex

Shakeia Allen knew her boyfriend was capable of violence. The Baltimore Police did too, acknowledging that officers had been to Allen’s home on multiple occasions in recent months over incidents of domestic violence.

In February 2024, Allen called officers over her former boyfriend allegedly assaulting her she she was trying to move out of the home they shared. When police arrested him the following day, he turned over a pistol that was concealed in his waistband, according to news reports.

On the afternoon of Sunday,  April 21, 2024, cell phone video from an observer showed what appeared to be Allen’s last moments alive. She was running across an apartment complex from who is alleged to be her former boyfriend in pursuit.

 “I saw a guy walking very casually with a gun in his hand,” a woman told WMAR-TV, a local TV station.

With Allen’s life in the balance, Baltimore police arrived again too late. Moments before her death, Allen can be heard on video screaming, “I have a restraining order against you!”

Video footage shows Allen crumpling to the ground after being executed in broad daylight. The gunman shoots her several times then walks off. 

“When officers arrived, they located a female suffering from apparent gunshot wounds in the parking lot of the establishment,” Baltimore County Police Det. Anthony Shelton twas quoted as saying, “The victim was pronounced deceased here on scene.”

Baltimore law enforcement have called the shooting “a targeted incident,” but have not made an arrest as of this writing.

One week before Allen’s death, a protective order she filed was dismissed because of her absence from court. 

Even with a protective order, there is no guarantee that a person who files one will be safe.

Baltimore County Homicide detectives have now taken over this investigation. As they investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, detectives ask anyone with information pertinent to the case to contact 410-307-2020.

Information may also be provided anonymously by contacting Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-2587 (7LOCKUP). Information provided by phone or online through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

DON’T HAVE TO BE A VICTIM!

Read the warning signs of a hurtful relationship.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or practicing self-harm, contact the the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time. Online live chat is also available. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, for assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Sayra Barros: 8-Year-Old Girl Beaten To Death By Stepmother, Police Say

Sayra Barros: 8-Year-Old Girl Beaten To Death By Stepmother, Police Say

Aseelah Mohammed: New Haven Woman Found Dead At Homeless Facility

Aseelah Mohammed: New Haven Woman Found Dead At Homeless Facility