On December 4, 2022, a pregnant 19-year-old woman named Jaymyra Burrell was shot and killed in Baltimore, Maryland. Her killer remained at large for months until he was arrested in West Virginia during a routine traffic stop. This is the story of how a senseless act of violence ended the life of a young mother-to-be and how justice was finally served. The Shooting According to the Baltimore Police Department, officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 5600 block of Woodmont Avenue around 1:30 a.m. on December 4, 2022. There, they found Burrell suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was rushed to John Hopkins Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. She was four months pregnant at the time of her death. The police did not release any information about the motive or the suspect in the shooting, only saying that it was an active investigation. Burrell’s family and friends were left devastated and heartbroken by the loss of their loved one. Burrell’s aunt, Octavia Dozier, posted a tribute on Facebook, saying: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Jaymyra Burrell. Even in this we give God praise for allowing us to share her life for 19 years. She was a beautiful soul who loved her family and friends. She had dreams and goals that she was working towards. She was expecting her first child and was so excited about becoming a mother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. The Arrest For months, the police had no leads or arrests in Burrell’s murder case. That changed on July 20, 2023, when a traffic stop in South Charleston, West Virginia led to the capture of the alleged killer. According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Interstate 64 around 11:30 p.m. The driver of the vehicle gave a false

name and date of birth to the deputies, who then ran his fingerprints through a database and discovered his true identity: Malik McCormick, 22, of Baltimore. McCormick was wanted by the Baltimore Police Department for first-degree murder and multiple weapon offenses in connection with Burrell’s death. He also had outstanding warrants for other crimes in Maryland and Georgia. The deputies arrested McCormick without incident and transported him to the South Central Regional Jail, where he awaited extradition to Maryland. The Background McCormick had a long history of criminal activity and violence, dating back to his teenage years. According to various news reports, McCormick was convicted of rape in Alabama in 2010 when he was 17 years old and sentenced to eight years in prison. It is unclear how much time he actually served for that crime. In 2015, McCormick was charged with another rape in Quitman County, Georgia, but he was somehow released from custody and never faced trial. In 2021, McCormick was arrested again in Albany, Georgia for aggravated battery after he allegedly slit a man’s throat. That case was still pending at the time of his arrest in West Virginia. It is not known what relationship McCormick had with Burrell or why he targeted her. The police have not disclosed any details about the circumstances or the evidence that linked him to her murder. The Conclusion McCormick is now facing justice for his alleged crimes. He was extradited to Maryland on July 21, 2023 and taken to Baltimore’s Central Booking Intake Facility. He is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and illegal possession of ammunition. He is being held without bail pending his next court appearance. Burrell’s family and friends are hoping for closure and peace after this long-awaited arrest. They are also seeking support and donations for Burrell’s funeral expenses and her unborn child’s burial.