Father Speaks Out After 16-Year-Old Son Killed in Baltimore

Victim's father says he was trying to get his son to move in with him in California before the tragedy.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The father of a 16-year-old boy who was shot and killed in North Baltimore on Friday is speaking out, expressing grief and a desire for justice. The victim, Jayathan Day, had been living in a home for teenagers in the city, and his father, Dennis Day, says he was trying to get his son to move in with him in California before the fatal shooting.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing gun violence and public safety challenges facing Baltimore, a city that has struggled with high rates of youth homicide. The victim's father's emotional plea for answers and justice resonates with the broader community's concerns about protecting young lives.

The details

Police found Jayathan Day shot inside a home in the Medfield neighborhood of North Baltimore on Friday evening. He was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries. His father, Dennis Day, says he had been in recovery and was trying to get his son to move in with him in California, but was unable to do so before the shooting occurred.

  • The shooting occurred just before 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2026.
  • Jayathan Day was 16 years old at the time of his death.

The players

Jayathan Day

The 16-year-old victim who was shot and killed in North Baltimore.

Dennis Day

The father of Jayathan Day, who is speaking out about his son's death and expressing a desire for justice.

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What they’re saying

“I'm in a recovery place, I've been in recovery for the last two years, trying to get him recovered so I can get him back down here (to) live with me in California. But before I got a chance to get out of my recovery, he passed away.”

— Dennis Day, Father of Victim (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“He was really sweet. He would give you anything off his back if you would ask him. Jayathan's dream was just for our family to be together.”

— Dennis Day, Father of Victim (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“Whoever killed my son, God will have his vengeance. I pray every day, I hope to see you in the eye, good Lord let me see you in the eye before you go wherever you go.”

— Dennis Day, Father of Victim (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

Baltimore police have not released any information on a possible shooter or shooters at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for Baltimore to address its persistent gun violence and youth homicide challenges, while also highlighting the profound human toll on families like Jayathan Day's who are left to grieve the loss of a young life.