Crime
26-year-old Tamir Davis and Darius Blalock killed after shooting in Cecil County
Two additional victims are currently receiving medical treatment at local hospitals.
Maryland State Police are conducting an in-depth investigation into a tragic shooting early this morning in Cecil County that left two individuals dead and two others injured.
Victims have been identified as 26-year-old Tamir Rasheek Davis and Darius Anthony Blalock.
Davis was transported to Christianna Hospital, where hospital staff later pronounced him dead.
The other deceased individual has not yet been positively identified, and authorities are awaiting autopsy results to confirm the cause and manner of death for both victims.
Two additional victims are currently receiving medical treatment at local hospitals; one is being treated at Union Hospital in Elkton, while the other remains at Christianna Hospital.
Their identities are being kept confidential as the investigation continues.
Troopers from the North East Barrack responded to the incident shortly after 6:00 a.m. following a report of a man lying in the roadway.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit arrived on the scene and are leading the investigation.
Authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has any information related to the case to contact the Maryland State Police at the North East Barrack at 410-996-7800. Callers can remain anonymous if they choose.
Assistance in this ongoing investigation is also being provided by the Criminal Enforcement Division, Northern Region.
The investigation remains active as police work to uncover further details surrounding this incident.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.