Indictments allege that seven individuals were murdered as a result of the defendants’ actions
Baltimore, Md. (October 15, 2024) - Today, State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates, Special Agent in Charge of the Baltimore Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Toni M. Crosby, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Major Investigations Chief Samantha Mildenberg, and Narcotics Chief Jennifer Brady announced the indictments of two men, Cornell Moore and Keith Russell, for their alleged participation in a murder-for-hire enterprise. Cornell Moore was indicted on 41 counts, and Keith Russell was indicted on 37 counts by a Baltimore City Grand Jury, including Participation in a Criminal Gang, First-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Felony Possession of a Firearm, Attempted First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy, and related offenses. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial.
“The ongoing multi-year investigation into this violent criminal enterprise has been one of our office’s most significant efforts in our continued fight to bring justice to Baltimore. With two individuals already indicted for several murders, multiple non-fatal shootings, and ties to a series of carjackings, this case represents the devastating impact a small number of violent perpetrators can have on our communities,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. These indictments are a critical step in holding those responsible for this senseless violence accountable and ensuring they can no longer harm our residents. Our office, alongside BPD and the ATF, remains committed to dismantling organizations that inflict fear and violence in our neighborhoods. We will continue to pursue every lead and exhaust all resources to bring justice to the victims and restore peace in Baltimore.”
The indictment alleges that in October 2020, the defendants and other individuals, known and unknown, have been members and associates of a criminal enterprise operating in Baltimore City and elsewhere in Maryland. The organization's members have been compensated for committing acts of violence for the enterprise to earn their fellow members' respect and secure, maintain, and advance their position. The enterprise seeks to establish dominance over rival gangs and drug trafficking organizations in Baltimore City and to protect the reputation of the enterprise and its members. The members established and maintained this dominance by intimidating rivals through acts of violence, including homicides, shootings, and carjackings.
“I want to thank BPD officers, State’s Attorney Bates, the ATF and our community partners for another job well done. With these indictments, we’re able to bring some peace and closure to the families and loved ones of several individuals,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “By working together with our law enforcement partners, we’re also showing that these criminal organizations will be dismantled and brought to justice every time. They will not get away with wreaking havoc on our communities and causing lasting trauma through violent actions. Together, we continue to work toward the common goal of making Baltimore a safer place for all who live, work and play here.”
Members of the enterprise are alleged to have eliminated competition and to financially profit by committing acts of murder and carjacking. Members are also alleged to have utilized shell limited liability corporations, bank accounts in minors’ names, and money applications to avoid detection of payment derived from violent and illegal acts.
“ATF is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our state and local partners in the fight against violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “These indictments are the product of the hard work of agents, officers, detectives, and attorneys, all of whom are dedicated to finding trigger pullers in our communities and holding them accountable. ATF will continue to seek justice for the people of Baltimore.”
The indictment alleges that the defendants fatally shot David Reid, Shabro Meredith, Rashad Dendy, Tyree Davis, Tayvon Scott, Yahmell Montague, and Angel Smith and attempted to murder three other victims during a series of calculated murders. The defendants utilized carjacked and stolen vehicles to execute many of the victims.
Please contact Metro Crime Stoppers tipline if you have information regarding anyone involved in this case at 1-866-7-LOCKUP.