The investigation into a late Tuesday evening shooting in Salisbury that left one dead and six others wounded continues with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office taking the lead.
Following similar shootings with numerous victims at community block parties in both Maryland and Pennsylvania, details continue to emerge as the state reels from the violent nature of these incidents. Here is the latest from the ongoing investigation.
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What happened that evening?
On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, shortly after midnight, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to Chippewa Boulevard in the area of Kiowa Avenue in Salisbury for the reported shooting.
During the investigation, it was determined that seven individuals were shot during a block party at this location. One of the victims in this incident, a 14-year-old boy from Salisbury, died of his gunshot wounds after being transported to TidalHealth.
The other six individuals were all being treated at TidalHealth, and it is believed none of the others suffered life-threatening wounds.
The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was joined by other local law enforcement, including the Salisbury Police Department, Delmar Police Department and Maryland State Police.
Who was the victim?
According to various sources and law enforcement, the victim was identified as 14-year-old Xavier Cordei Maddox of Salisbury, who succumb to his wounds and later died.
Through a statement, the sheriff’s office confirmed six other unnamed victims were all being treated at TidalHealth and it’s believed none of the others suffered life-threatening wounds.
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Public outcry over gun violence
Julie Giordano, Wicomico County Executive, spoke with Gov. Wes Moore following the incident as she released a statement to the public.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and our community,” Giordano said in a statement. “Tragedies like this, especially those that involve the death of a child, are inexcusable. I would like to personally thank the brave men and women at our Sheriff’s Office who not only worked the crime scene, but who are working diligently to apprehend the suspect(s).”
Giordano also doubled down on her continued support for law enforcement and reiterated the county’s ongoing efforts to work towards a safer county.
“I want to also thank Gov. Wes Moore for personally reaching out to me this morning offering assistance in any way. Public safety is top priority of the citizens here in Wicomico County, as well as my administration. We will keep working with local and state officials, as well as law enforcement, to keep our citizens safe and prevent such events from occurring,” Giordano said.
Moore echoed those sentiments and mentioned the similar shooting in Baltimore.
“In just a few days, two mass shootings in our beloved state have taken lives and ripped at the fabric of our communities. I grieve with the victims in Salisbury and their loved ones, as well as the community that has lost one of their own. To those who are hurting: My heart is with you. I would like to thank our first responders who rushed to the scene, and I am confident that law enforcement will bring those who committed this vile act to justice. I spoke earlier this morning with both the county executive of Wicomico and the mayor of Salisbury. I will continue to stay in close contact with local officials and authorities and will assist in every way possible,” Moore said in a statement.
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