Sheriff: Couple found dead in Maryland home likely victims of attack

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (WJLA) — Two people were found shot to death in a Maryland home where four children live, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said Tuesday.

Jenkins repeatedly described the shooting as “a crime of rage and anger” that resulted in the deaths of 33-year-old Crimea Baker of New Market, Maryland, and 34-year-old Sean Lange of Arlington, Virginia.

Several neighbors told WJLA they were distressed when they learned the details of the killings but did not want to give an interview out of fear.

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,” the neighbor said. “Everyone is just completely horrified and shocked and sad too. It's just a very sad situation.”

Officials said the shooting is believed to have occurred around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, adding that the couple was found in their bed hours later by one of the children. The children, all of whom are under 13, hid in the house until one of them called authorities around 7 a.m., officials said.

“Based on what the children told us, we believe they hid in the house until morning, until they felt safe, to find out what had happened,” Jenkins said. “I can't imagine what was going through their minds. One of the children found his mother and the gentleman dead in bed. All I can say is their lives are destroyed – it's turned upside down.”

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

Neighbors told WJLA they are now wondering what will happen next to the children after this traumatic experience.

“This is clearly a huge trauma and a huge loss for these children, and their whole world is turned upside down,” said one neighbor.

Jenkins did not describe the weapon used in the shooting, but said investigators found 42 .40-caliber rounds of ammunition in and around the bed.

Jenkins said there was no danger to the public. He also said 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 neighbor. “I hope they all end up in a place where they can get the help they need.”