The city of Baltimore is reeling after three separate killings took place within days of each other during July 2025, leaving the community grieving and the police working tirelessly to uncover the circumstances behind these senseless deaths. The identities of the victims have now been confirmed by the Baltimore Police Department, with three men tragically losing their lives to gun violence in unrelated incidents. The community is once again thrust into the difficult conversation surrounding the rising rates of violent crime in the city.

A Brief Overview of the Cases

The first fatality occurred on July 12, when Keith Garrett, 60, was found dead in the 2800 block of Chesterfield Avenue. Police responded quickly to the scene after receiving reports of an incident, but details surrounding the specifics of his death remain scarce. The community was left with little information and had to wait for further updates as the investigation continued.

A day later, another life was tragically taken. On July 13, 56-year-old Randolph Smith was found dead in the 3900 block of Frederick Avenue. Like Garrett, Smith’s death has been shrouded in mystery, with no immediate answers as to what happened or who might have been involved. It is unclear whether the two incidents were linked or if the deaths were merely part of the ongoing surge in violence the city has faced.

The third incident involved 40-year-old Jamard Thomas, whose death took place after he sustained gunshot wounds on his birthday, July 4. Police reported that the shooting occurred in the 2600 block of Greenmount Avenue, and Thomas was initially treated for his injuries. Tragically, Thomas passed away on July 8, four days after the shooting. Investigators are still working to uncover details, and the circumstances behind the attack remain unclear.

As the city mourns the loss of these three men, the Baltimore Police Department continues its investigation into all three cases. Although no arrests have been made in any of the incidents, detectives are gathering evidence and seeking community assistance. The police urge anyone with information to come forward, as even small pieces of evidence could prove crucial in solving these cases.

Victim Profiles: Who Were Keith Garrett, Randolph Smith, and Jamard Thomas?

Keith Garrett – A Life Cut Short

Keith Garrett, born December 19, 1964, was a long-time resident of Baltimore. Little is known about his personal life, but those who knew him described him as a quiet, hardworking man who had been a part of the community for many years. On July 12, 2025, Garrett’s life was tragically cut short when he was found dead in the 2800 block of Chesterfield Avenue. The Baltimore Police Department was alerted to the scene shortly after 1 p.m., where Garrett was pronounced dead from what appeared to be a violent encounter.

Although police have not released any additional details regarding Garrett’s death, his passing has left family, friends, and neighbors shocked and searching for answers. His sudden loss has further fueled concerns about public safety in Baltimore, especially as another senseless act of violence claimed an innocent life. The investigation into Garrett’s death is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone who may have seen or heard something suspicious in the area to come forward.

Randolph Smith – A Father and Friend to Many

Randolph Smith, born June 28, 1969, was a beloved member of the community in Baltimore. His tragic death on July 13 has left his family and friends devastated. Smith’s life was marked by his caring and compassionate nature, and he was known for being a loyal friend and dedicated father. As with Garrett, Smith’s death occurred under mysterious circumstances, and police are still investigating the events leading up to the fatal encounter.

Living in Baltimore, Smith was no stranger to the challenges faced by many in the city, yet he remained a figure of hope for those around him. His family and friends remember him for his unwavering support and willingness to go above and beyond for those in need. The fact that Smith’s life was taken in such a violent manner is difficult to comprehend, and his death is another tragic reminder of the pervasive violence that continues to affect Baltimore communities.

Authorities have not released many details about Smith’s death, but they have stated that the investigation is active. The police are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to step forward, as they work tirelessly to determine the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death and bring those responsible to justice.

Jamard Thomas – A Birthday Marred by Violence

Jamard Thomas’s death was particularly tragic because it occurred on his birthday, July 4, 2025. Born on July 4, 1985, Thomas, who was 40 years old at the time of his death, was well known in the Greenmount Avenue area. He was a father and a friend who was always there for those around him. Tragically, on what should have been a celebratory day, Thomas was shot and seriously injured in an incident on Greenmount Avenue.

The shooting, which took place early in the day, resulted in Thomas being rushed to the hospital. For four days, he fought for his life, but his injuries ultimately proved fatal, and he passed away on July 8, 2025. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full details of the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and the motives for the attack remain unclear.

The fact that Thomas was a victim of gun violence on his birthday has resonated deeply with the community, who mourns the loss of another life taken too soon. His friends, family, and neighbors are left with only questions and grief as they remember the man they knew as a source of support and strength. Police are continuing their investigation into the incident, and they are hopeful that new information will come to light that will lead to the arrest of those responsible for this senseless violence.

The Broader Context: Rising Crime in Baltimore

Baltimore has long struggled with violent crime, and the recent killings of Keith Garrett, Randolph Smith, and Jamard Thomas are a stark reminder of the challenges the city continues to face. According to the latest statistics from the Baltimore Police Department, the city has seen a disturbing uptick in homicides and shootings, and the trend has left many residents feeling increasingly unsafe.

These three murders have sparked renewed conversations about public safety in Baltimore and the effectiveness of the measures taken by law enforcement. While the police work diligently to solve these cases, there is a growing sense of frustration among the public regarding the continuing violence. Many people are calling for stronger measures to combat gun violence, as well as greater community engagement and investment in the social infrastructure of neighborhoods that have been hardest hit by crime.

While the police work tirelessly to investigate and solve each case, the underlying issues contributing to the rise in crime are more complex. Poverty, unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, and systemic inequalities all play a role in creating an environment where violence can thrive. There is a need for long-term solutions that address these root causes while also ensuring that immediate action is taken to protect residents and reduce the impact of violence in the city.

The Investigation: What We Know So Far

As of now, the Baltimore Police Department’s Homicide Division is handling the investigations into the deaths of Keith Garrett, Randolph Smith, and Jamard Thomas. While little is known about the specifics of each incident, detectives are working tirelessly to gather information and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The police have not publicly disclosed whether these three murders are connected, and it remains to be seen if they are part of a larger pattern of violence in the city. Investigators have stated that they are following up on leads, reviewing surveillance footage, and conducting interviews with witnesses and family members in order to piece together the details of each case.

Detectives are also working closely with local advocacy groups and community organizations in order to foster trust and cooperation with the public. As the investigations continue, the police remain hopeful that new information will come to light that will help solve these tragic deaths.

A Call for Community Action

In the wake of these senseless killings, many community leaders and activists are calling for greater involvement from local residents in the fight against crime. While the police can work diligently to solve cases, they rely on the support and cooperation of the community to help provide the necessary information that can lead to arrests and convictions.

The loss of Keith Garrett, Randolph Smith, and Jamard Thomas has united many members of the Baltimore community in their grief and their desire for justice. Now, more than ever, it is essential that residents stand together and work with law enforcement to create safer neighborhoods and reduce the levels of violence that have plagued the city for far too long.

Conclusion: A City in Mourning

The deaths of Keith Garrett, Randolph Smith, and Jamard Thomas have left the city of Baltimore shaken and grieving. As investigations into these senseless killings continue, the community is left to mourn the loss of three lives taken too soon. While the police work to uncover the details behind each of these tragic incidents, the city must also confront the larger issues that have contributed to the cycle of violence that continues to affect its neighborhoods.

As the investigation into these murders progresses, the people of Baltimore are urged to come together in solidarity, to support the families of the victims, and to continue pushing for meaningful changes that will make their communities safer. The loss of these three men is a tragic reminder of the importance of addressing gun violence and creating an environment where every person can live in safety and peace.

For now, the families of Keith Garrett, Randolph Smith, and Jamard Thomas must navigate the painful process of grieving while the police continue their search for answers. The legacy of these men will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved them, and their untimely deaths will forever serve as a reminder of the urgent need for change in Baltimore.