GREATER LANDOVER, Md. — Police say two people are dead, including a child, after a domestic-related murder/suicide in Greater Landover late Wednesday night. A third person, a woman, has been hospitalized with serious injuries.
According to the Prince George's County Police Department, the shooting happened inside a home in the 6900 block of Stansbury Lane. Officers were called to the scene around 9:30 p.m.
A man, woman and child were found shot inside the home. The man and girl were pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Investigators have identified the child killed as 11-year-old Mailyn Turkes. The suspect is Mailyn's stepfather, according to police.
"Her bright future was cut tragically short last night by her stepfather, 38-year-old Curtis Lynch. He then turned the gun on himself and took his own life," said Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz.
"Before murdering Mailyn, Lynch shot an adult female in the home. Her injuries are critical but she is expected to survive," said Chief Aziz.
He says the surviving woman is Mailyn's mother but, he would not confirm what her relationship is to Lynch.
Thursday night, WUSA9 spoke with Mailyn's grandmother over the phone. She told WUSA9 she was by her daughter's side at the hospital and that they were all devastated by what had happened.
She says Mailyn was an honor roll student who loved helping people.
"She was her mother's child," said Mailyn's grandmother. "She was my everything".
She told WUSA9 that everyone who met Mailyn instantly fell in love with her.
"She touched everybody's heart," she said.
Mailyn loved to make bracelets for people, but more importantly, she loved to make people smile, her family said.
Investigators are still working to determine a motive in this case.
"Just like everyone who hears this, we are wondering why," said Chief Aziz.
"Regardless of what our investigation finds, hurting those you love is never the answer. Mailyn did not deserve this, the adult female victim did not deserve this. The families that are involved did not deserve this," said Chief Aziz.
Police are asking anyone who may know something to contact them.
If anyone has information relevant to this investigation and would like to speak to a Homicide Unit detective, they are asked to call 301-516-2512.
If you, or someone you know, is dealing with domestic abuse there is help available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
National Sexual Abuse Hotline
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, there is help available. Confidential support can be reached through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4763). Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Domestic Violence Resources in Prince George's County can also be found here.
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