The new year is off to a deadly start in Prince George’s County.
Four young men were shot early Wednesday morning in the 4000 block of Norcross Street in Temple Hills, Md. One of them died from his injuries. He was the fifth homicide victim already in 2011.
Blood still stains the front steps of the home and police evidence markers identify the bullet holes left at the home.
The woman who lives there described what she heard.
"I was laying in bed sleeping when I heard gun shots," she said. "Two of them started hollering for me, I couldn't find my keys, and it was too late."
She said the victims were her son's friends. She said her son was not involved in the shooting.
"Words cannot describe it," she said. "I'm shocked. I'm saddened. I lost a nice guy for no reason, or a stupid reason."
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Police say three people were killed Tuesday in Prince George’s County. In one incident, a man was shot and killed outside of the Upscale Ballroom in Suitland.
Two other men were found shot to death hours later, and investigators believe their deaths were related. One victim was found dead in an Oxon Hill townhouse. The other was found in a landfill near Fort Washington. Both men had duct tape put over their mouths.
Police have not said whether they have any suspects in any of these homicides.
Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker said the spike in violence at the beginning of the year "deeply concerns" him.
"I want the community to know that I have been in regular contact with the Chief of Police and he has assured me that he is committing all the resources within his means to solve these killings," Baker said in a statement. "He has been keeping me apprised of the department’s progress, and I have the utmost confidence that the Chief of Police is doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice. As I pledged during my campaign, public safety will remain a top priority for my administration. I will ensure that whatever additional resources the Chief needs are made available to him."
