Baltimore DPW Employee Layla Bailey Killed in West Baltimore Shooting

Layla Bailey, a 34-year-old employee with the Baltimore Department of Public Works, was killed on October 18 when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting at a West Baltimore gas station.

The incident, which occurred just before 10:30 p.m. at a location on Edmondson Avenue near West Franklin Street, claimed the life of Bailey and 20-year-old DaShawn McCoy, while leaving three others wounded.

The violence unfolded with terrifying speed. Bailey, who lived with her mother, Mary Bailey, had stepped out for a quick trip to grab snacks. While at the scene, she was on a FaceTime call with her fiancé, who could only listen as the situation turned deadly.

“When Layla fell to the ground, she told her, ‘Call mama. I’m shot!’ But she had the tenacity to get up off the ground.”

Mary Bailey told CBS News Baltimore, describing the harrowing final moments her daughter attempted to reach the safety of her car. Despite her efforts to escape, the gunmen fired through the vehicle, ending her life.

2 dead in quintuple shooting at Edmondson Avenue gas station, multiple shooters sought — WBAL Radio

The scale of the violence was stark. Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley reported that at least three gunmen opened fire with high-powered weapons, discharging a total of 46 rounds during the attack. The loss has devastated the community and the Department of Public Works, where Bailey was known as a standout employee in the water division on Calverton Road.

Clarence Thomas, vice president of AFSCME Local 44, described Bailey as an angel for the city of Baltimore. The union and city leadership, including Mayor Brandon Scott, State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, and City Council President Zeke Cohen, have offered their support to the grieving family. Co-workers have already begun efforts to assist Bailey’s 6-year-old son, Amir, ensuring he has support during the upcoming holiday season.

2 dead, 3 wounded in shooting at gas station in West Baltimore — WJZ

For Mary Bailey, the focus remains on the search for justice. She expressed a desire for those responsible to be held accountable, though she maintains a stance of personal forgiveness. “It hurts, but I can’t bring her back. I want people to know I don’t hate who did this,” she told CBS News Baltimore.

The investigation into the shooting remains active. Metro Crime Stoppers is currently offering an $8,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact them at 1-866-7-Lockup, where tipsters are permitted to remain anonymous.

Multiple people injured in shooting at West Baltimore gas station — WJZ

The Bailey family prepares for a vigil at the gas station in the 2800 block of Edmondson Avenue. The event is scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. For the family, the vigil serves as a moment of reflection on a life lost during what should have been an ordinary errand.

“Nobody should have to die because they want to go get a bag of chips, soda or something like that,” Mary Bailey said. “They should not have to die for that.”