Patterns of truancy, runaways emerge as number of homicides by young people doubles

POSTED: 6:23 pm EST November 22, 2006

UPDATED: 6:37 pm EST November 22, 2006

BALTIMORE -- The number of children charged with murder is almost double compared to last year's total in Baltimore city, and that increase is prompting the city state's attorney's office to commission a juvenile summit to get a handle on the problem. Accused juvenile killers are getting younger and more violent, and what is surprising authorities is that, until now, they weren't on anyone's radar because most don't come from the juvenile justice system. Prosecutors said they describe these young, violent offenders as "street urchins" running in packs, living with friends, relatives, and in abandoned houses, and they share family histories of neglect and abuse. City police arrested 11 children on murder charges last year -- the youngest was 16. So far this year, 20 children face murder charges and eight of them are 15-years-old. Officials said they are considered children in need. They are Department of Social Services clients and not extensively involved in the juvenile justice system. In many cases, the killings are their first offense. Lataye King, 15, is in jail on suspicion murder. She and a 16-year-old co-defendant are charged with fatally stabbing Nicole Edmonds, 17, at a Light Rail station. According to authorities, King has been a runaway since age13 and she has also received psychiatric treatment. "She's had some mental health history, problems with family background," said defense attorney James Rhoades. Young offenders are also dropping out of school early. "We are losing them at middle school. Many of them have not completed the sixth grade," said Marti Burns of the city state's attorney's office. City state's attorney Patricia Jessamy has instructed her office to conduct a detailed analysis of murders committed by children so far this year. Next week, she plans to meet with social services, school officials, police and City Council. Authorities said they admit the trend surprises them. "Somehow, they have escaped or evaded the traditional ways these types of kids come to our attention," Burns said. Part of the solution will have to come from the state. Confidentiality laws make it impossible to share information. During his campaign, Gov.-elect Martin O'Malley pledged to help students who come from difficult family environments. "(We want to) co-locate the human services with our school buildings, particularly in our more challenged schools -- health services, mental health services, juvenile justice services," O'Malley said in October. Prosecutors said the number of nonfatal shootings that involved children -- 60 so far this year -- is just as alarming. The victims have all been African-American children. The city state's attorney's office said it will eventually convene a juvenile summit to come up with solutions.

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