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Ehrlich vows to investigate claims of unreported murders
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During a campaign stop at the Park Heights Barber Shop in Baltimore on Tuesday, Gov. Robert Ehrlich, left, listens to James Greene talk about the increase in homicides in the Park Heights.
BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Gov. Robert Ehrlich visited lower Park Heights in Baltimore City on Tuesday to talk about his record on crime, but ended up weighing in on the controversy over allegations by residents that the murders of several women have gone unreported and may be the work of a serial killer.
“I don’t know if it’s true or not true,” Ehrlich said, commenting on the concerns of residents over the allegedly brutal murders of at least half a dozen women in the lower Park Heights neighborhood. “Either way, people of the community deserve an answer.”
Ehrlich vowed to resident James Greene that the state would investigate.
“I’m an advocate for this community,” Greene told Ehrlich as they sat together at the Park Heights barber shop. “People are being murdered and no one is doing anything about it.”
Ehrlich said he would contact city State’s Attorney Patricia Jessamy and have an answer. The news conference was held after a series of articles in The Examiner highlighted resident concerns in the lower Park Heights neighborhood over a rash of murders. On Saturday, residents held a community rally to voice their concerns.
City police have said that of the 10 murders in the Northwest district that includes lower Park Heights since August, only one was a woman. The murders, they insisted, are drug-related, not the work of a serial killer.
“There is no serial killer in the Northwest district, it’s wrong and irresponsible to spread that kind of rumor,” police spokesman Matt Jablow said.
Ehrlich, who said that he is gaining support in the black community, also picked up support from several city leaders, including Clerk of the Courts Frank Conaway.
“For the first time in my life, I’m voting Republican,” he said. “I’m voting for Bob Ehrlich.”
sjanis@baltimoreexaminer.com
