Ervin Talley Jr., a 16-year-old Black male, died after a handgun accident on February 15, 2021, at the Moravia Park Apartments in Northeast Baltimore. He had been visiting his 17-year-old friend, Tresean Parker, when the two began handling a handgun that belonged to Parker’s father and had been left unsecured in a dresser. During the encounter Parker pointed the gun at Ervin’s head; the firearm discharged as Ervin tried to push it away and a single shot struck his head. Ervin was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital and died shortly after arrival.

Initially Parker told police Ervin had shot himself, but investigators say evidence contradicted that statement and Parker later admitted his role. Police also found that Parker had previously taken pictures and videos while handling the unsecured firearm. Parker was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm.

The loss devastated both families and raised questions about unsecured guns in homes with children. Did anyone in the Moravia Park Apartments area see or hear anything that night that could add detail to the timeline?