Couple found dead in New Market, Maryland home; suspected target of attack; Frederick County Sheriff

FREDERICK COUNTY, Maryland (7News) — More than 40 shots were fired at two adults who were found dead early Sunday morning in a home in New Market, Maryland, where four children were staying, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said Tuesday.

Jenkins repeatedly described Sunday's shooting at a home in the 7000 block of Mandalong Court as “a crime of rage and anger” that resulted in the deaths of 33-year-old Crimea Baker of New Market and 34-year-old Sean Lange of Arlington, Virginia.

Several neighbors told 7News they were distressed when they learned the details of the murders, but were afraid to give an interview.

A neighbor who asked that her identity be kept secret said she could still remember the exact moment she learned of the shooting.

“Someone contacted me and asked if I was OK. I was very curious and worried,” said the anonymous neighbor. “Everyone is completely upset and shocked and sad too. It's just a very sad situation.”

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Officials said the shooting likely occurred at about 1:30 a.m. and the couple was found hours later in their bed by one of their four children. The children, all under the age of 13, hid in the house until one of them called authorities around 7 a.m., officials said.

“From talking to the children, it seems like it happened around 1:30 a.m. We know from the children's statements that they hid in the house until morning to try and figure out what had happened,” Jenkins said. “I can't imagine what was going on in their heads. One of the children found his mother and the man dead in bed. All I can say is that their lives are destroyed and are completely turned upside down right now.”

Sheriff Jenkins said Baker is the mother of all four children, one of whom she has with Lange.

Neighbours told 7News they are now wondering what will happen next to the children after this traumatic experience.

“It's obviously a huge trauma and a huge loss for these children, and their whole world is turned upside down,” said the anonymous neighbor.

Sheriff Jenkins did not describe the weapon used in the shooting, but said 42 .40 caliber rounds were found and damage was noted in and around the bed.

During Tuesday's press conference, Sheriff Jenkins stressed that there was no danger to the public and that the suspect likely targeted the victims in a “crime of anger and passion.”

“This was truly a heinous, targeted double murder, a crime of anger and rage. This is the kind of crime that shocks the conscience of every person in Frederick County,” Jenkins said.

Frederick County officials are investigating along with other local law enforcement agencies, but have not identified any suspects at the time of publication.

The children are now working with social services.

“I'm a therapist and I work with children. It breaks my heart when I think of the trauma they must have witnessed and experienced,” said the anonymous neighbor. “I hope they all end up in a place where they can get the help they need.”