LANDOVER, Md. – A tragic incident unfolded in Landover, Maryland, as an 11-year-old girl and her stepfather lost their lives in a murder-suicide, according to Prince George’s County police.
Authorities were called to the scene on Stansbury Lane on Wednesday night after reports of a shooting. Inside the home, they discovered Mailyn Turkes, the young girl, and Curtis Lynch, her stepfather, both suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
In addition to the two victims, a woman related to them was also shot and is currently in critical but stable condition after receiving emergency treatment at a local hospital. The shootings, carried out by Lynch, are believed to have been motivated by factors still under investigation by authorities.
Police Chief Malik Aziz expressed sorrow at the loss of Mailyn, calling her a bright future star whose life was cut short. He emphasized the undeserving nature of Mailyn and the adult female victim’s tragic fate, highlighting the impact on their families.
However, details about the relationship between Lynch and the injured woman remain undisclosed, as well as the specific circumstances that led to the violent incident. The tragic event adds to the alarming statistics of family-related homicides in Prince George’s County, as noted by Aziz.
County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks echoed sentiments of grief over the untimely death of Mailyn, emphasizing the community’s devastation at losing such a young member. Alsobrooks drew attention to the broader issue of domestic and family-related violence, pointing out the concerning trend within the county.
The heartbreaking loss of children to violence, as seen in this tragic case, underscores the urgent need for intervention and prevention measures to address the growing epidemic of domestic violence. Alsobrooks highlighted the importance of prioritizing the well-being of children in the community as a crucial indicator of its overall health.