Kamau Campbell

On a Tuesday afternoon, March 4, 2025, the life of 16-year-old Kamau Campbell, a Black/African American male student at Lansdowne High School, was tragically cut short by gunfire. The incident unfolded around 2:30 p.m. in the 3900 block of Hollins Ferry Road, at a shopping center situated across the street from his school. Kamau was outside near a liquor store when an assailant emerged from a silver Honda Accord and began shooting.

In a desperate attempt to flee, Kamau ran towards the school grounds. The gunman pursued him, continuing to fire. Kamau collapsed on school property just outside the main entrance, where the shooter shot him several more times before fleeing the scene. Though classes had already concluded for the day, the school was immediately placed on lockdown as a safety measure. Authorities later confirmed that Kamau had been absent from class that day. He was rushed to a hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Family and friends remember Kamau, affectionately known as "Daddy," as a charismatic and energetic young man who was full of jokes and lit up every room. He was a talented and proud member of his school's football team and was described as the heart of his family, deeply connected to his siblings. In the wake of his death, his family expressed their devastation, stating their hearts were shattered by the senseless act of gun violence.

The investigation into Kamau's murder led Baltimore County Police to 18-year-old Challah Haywood. Surveillance footage from the shopping center was instrumental in identifying the shooter and the vehicle used in the attack. Police located the silver Honda Accord, registered to Haywood, in a nearby apartment complex about an hour and a half after the shooting. Further investigation, including analysis of cell phone data, social media, and forensic evidence, linked Haywood to the crime. According to charging documents, Haywood had been seen on social media wearing clothing that matched the description of the shooter. On October 6, 2025, Challah Haywood was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is being held without bond. In November 2025, a grand jury indicted Haywood on these charges.