Keith Maurice James Jr., 16, has been arrested and charged as an adult in connection with the fatal shootings of his girlfriend, Giovanna “Gigi” Myrie, 15, and her younger brother, Steve Allen, 9, in Gwynn Oak, Maryland, according to Baltimore County authorities.
Police said the children’s mother discovered them on the second floor of their home on July 7, 2026. Both had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators reportedly recovered several 9mm shell casings inside the residence.
According to charging documents, detectives believe Giovanna was the intended target, while Steve was allegedly shot after encountering the confrontation in a hallway. Authorities said Giovanna had been dating the accused for approximately two months and had previously expressed fear over threats connected to jealousy and control.
Days before her death, Giovanna reportedly sent a friend a desperate message that read: “Keith said if I cheat he finna put the gun inside me. Help me.” A witness also told investigators that during a July 4 FaceTime call, James allegedly displayed a black handgun and threatened to kill Giovanna if she became involved with someone else.
Authorities said surveillance footage captured a person matching the teenager’s description traveling by bus toward the victims’ home while wearing dark clothing, a blue surgical mask and carrying a backpack. Neighborhood cameras allegedly recorded him leaving the area after the shootings, while cellphone records reportedly placed his device near the residence during the estimated time of the killings.
James was arrested on July 21 and faces two counts of first-degree murder and two firearm-related charges. A judge denied him bond and rejected a request to place him in a juvenile detention facility. He will remain in adult custody while the case proceeds. All charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Giovanna and Steve were two young lives with dreams, laughter and a future that should never have been taken from them. Their family is now left carrying an unimaginable loss, while a community remembers a sister and brother whose lives ended far too soon.
(ABC News)
