DUNDALK, Md. — Baltimore County Police have named two men involved in a shooting on Monday that is being investigated as a possible murder-suicide. James Skarda IV, 35, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in a residential area, while 37-year-old Ricky Stem is believed to have shot himself.
Officers responded to the scene on Bullneck Road around 4:20 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. They found Skarda outside, where he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. Just a short drive away, police located Stem in a vehicle at the intersection of Dundalk Avenue and Liberty Parkway, where he was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators are looking into whether Skarda and Stem had any prior relationship. The incident marks a tragic addition to the growing number of homicide cases in the county this year, bringing the total to 18.
This shooting echoes a similar incident in Owings Mills just months earlier when a couple was found dead in what authorities determined to be a murder-suicide. In that case, 59-year-old Karen Franklin was killed while her husband, 63-year-old Gary Franklin, took his own life. Both were found by police who responded to reports of an assault at their residence.
As the community grapples with these incidents, local officials stress the importance of mental health resources. Recent data suggests that households experiencing domestic issues may benefit from increased outreach and support services. The Baltimore County Police Department is collaborating with mental health organizations to provide assistance to those affected by violence and trauma.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting in Dundalk, urging anyone with additional information to come forward. As the community mourns the loss of life, they face questions regarding safety and the underlying issues that may lead to such tragic outcomes.