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According to a timeline of events released by the Baltimore County Police, the gunfire was heard at approximately 6:43 a.m. outside of Royal Farms Store on Middleborough Road in Essex, when 27-year-old Joshua Green allegedly shot and killed 62-year-old Alpha Smith while she was sitting in her car in the store’s parking lot. Green proceeded to walk inside the store, where he killed 43-year-old Silvesta Daye.
In addition, a 22-year-old Royal Farms employee, Joshua Robinson, was also seriously injured after being shot, according to Fox 45. Robinson was transported to a local hospital where he is in stable condition and expected to survive his injuries.
Detectives said Green proceeded to leave the store and return home to his nearby apartment complex on Shadetree road. Green had set his apartment on fire and was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the apartment complex.
At 3:21 p.m., detectives found Green’s parents, 58-year-old Douglas Green and 62-year-old Olivia Green, deceased inside their home on Manor Road.
“For the family and friends of the victims, the employees of the Royal Farms Store, and our entire Baltimore County community our thoughts and prayers are with you,” Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt said in a statement. “The Baltimore County Police Department will remain steadfast in our support to those who were impacted by this tragedy.”
Investigators said the genesis of this tragic chain of events actually started in the early morning hours at the house on Manor Road. Green had no criminal contacts with police, and the firearm he possessed was legally purchased.
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The incident comes about a week after a gunman killed 10 people at King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado.
The gunman, identified as 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree crime and made his first court appearance Thursday, when his lawyer asked for a mental health review. Alissa was also charged with attempted murder, and Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said authorities plan to file more charges in the coming weeks. Authorities have not yet released a motive and it is unclear why the grocery store was targeted.
Two days after the shooting in Boulder, an Atlanta man was also arrested after he allegedly walked into the Atlantic Station Publix Super Market with five guns and body armor. The suspect, 22-year-old Rico Marley, is charged with six counts of possession of a firearm and five counts of criminal attempt to commit a felony.
The family of victim Alfie Smith told FOX 45’s Alexa Ashwell that she was on her way to work and had stopped at the store, as she usually did, to pick up a drink.
“Alfie was a loving, caring grandmother, great grandmother and friend and co-worker,” the family said in a statement. “Everyone who knew her would agree she was the life of the party. She could light up a room with her smile. She loved to joke and clown around. She always was laughing and showed lots of affection with lots of hugs and kisses. She loved with her whole heart. She took great pride in being a grandmother and will be tremendously missed by many.”
The family has set up a GoFundMe for Alfie’s children and funeral expenses, which has exceeded its goal of $10,000.
Silvesta Daye Jr., was on his way to his parents home when he stopped at the store. According to police, Daye Jr., was shot and killed while waiting near the cash register.
Daye’s family told FOX45 News he leaves behind two daughters.
“He was a good-hearted person,” said his father, Silvesta Daye Sr. “He was my son and I loved him. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Daye Sr., who was reportedly on his way to church when he unknowingly passed the shooting scene his son was involved in, said he is leaning into his faith during this time.
“At his last breath, I don’t know what he may have said to the Lord in that particular time,” Daye said. “That’s between him and God.”
A statement was also released by Green’s sister, who said her brother “struggled with his mental health for many years” and that the events that transpired were “unthinkable, violent, and senseless.”
“My heart is with the victims families. The grief so far has been nearly unbearable.” she added. “My heart is with you, everyone affected, as we pick up the pieces to this nightmare. I pray for continued healing, peace and closure to the victims families.”
This story, originally published on March 28, has been updated.
