Cambridge Police Investigating Deadly Shooting

CAMBRIDGE, Md. - Cambridge parents and community leaders are warning for change, following an uptick in juvenile crimes and an unusual attempted murder case.

On Wednesday, police say Cornella J. Rookard of St. Michael's drove her 14 year-old son, armed with a shotgun, to the an area near Cosby and Greenwood Avenues in Cambridge.

From the backseat of the car, Rookard's son shot at a boy who he had confronted earlier that day.

Police say security cam footage led them to Rookard. Both she and her son are now facing attempted murder charges. The victim was not hurt.

The case is unthinkable for parents like Jonathon Molock, who says it's an example of a larger issue plaguing city youth.

"I have to question (Rookard) as a parent...to have that type of mental capacity to even think of doing something like that," Molock said.

Cambridge police say they've seen more juvenile-involved assault cases and car thefts. Over 190 juvenile arrests have been made since October.

They're crimes that Molock blames in part on the pandemic.

"There are things that are going on in Cambridge with COVID," Molock said.  "It's led to a lack of recreational opportunities for the children at this point."

But, Molock also says a lack of economic opportunity and education has also failed Cambridge families. He also wonders how out-of-towners are adding to increase crime in the city.

Some remain hopeful, praying a new city council and mayor will redirect its youth.

"We may have had some violence and shootings," William Jackson Jr. of Cambridge said. "But I think some positive things are going to happen here in the City of Cambridge."

Meanwhile, Cambridge Police Capt. Justin Todd says they are continuing community policing initiatives and upping patrols in order to help.

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