Apr 22, 2008 12:29 pm US/Eastern
2 Shot, 1 Killed Outside Funeral In West Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Police say two people were shot outside a funeral in West Baltimore Monday.
CBS
A devastating funeral for a 25-year-old man ends in even greater tragedy when two people are shot just outside the church doors.
Sally Thorner reports one of the victims died. Another is in serious condition at Shock Trauma while investigators are still looking for the triggerman.
The 300 or more mourners that packed the inside of Unity United Methodist Church for a funeral had no idea they would also witness a murder.
"It was a lot of confusion," said a witness.
In the middle of the funeral for 25-year-old Anthony Izzard, shots rang out just outside the church.
Police called the scene, "complete chaos" as mourners raced for the doors confused and scared, scrambling to get away from the gunfire.
"People were beginning to run as we were halfway through the sermon, people were beginning to run. I guess 200, 300 people were beginning to run on the inside of the church," said Bishop Napolean Rush.
Two men were hit. Michael Ellerby, 24, was killed. Derrell Mack, 29, has serious injuries. Both were rushed to Shock Trauma as the family of Anthony Izzard tried to continue his funeral.
Some mourners speculate that the shooting is connected with his death.
"At this point it's too early to tell if it's related to the funeral. Unfortunately, it can't be ruled out. We have a large number here at the funeral, and if anybody was going to make someone a target, this would be the place," said Donny Moses with Baltimore City Police.
Police are investigating whether the shooting was gang-related.
They say some mourners were wearing different colors, possibly gang symbols.
Bishop Napolean Rush calls it retaliation.
"I think this all fits in together. Retaliation for what happened," said Rush. "We all as a community, churches and all, need to get together to stop the killings."
Religious leaders are now calling on the City Council to crack down on violence across the city, particularly gang violence.
"Calling on City Council is one thing, but we need to be calling on the entire community. It's going to take more than the City Council. We are 15 members in the City Council, and it is not just within our power to make things change. It takes each and every one of us doing a part," said Helen Holton with Baltimore City Council.
There were two police officers stationed outside when the shooting occurred. They were working truancy detail for the high school that sits a block away.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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