NEW MARKET, Md. — The Frederick County Sheriff's Department is investigating a "heinous" double murder that took place Sunday morning at a New Market home.
Authorities say Crimea Baker, 33, and Sean Lange, 34, were gunned down inside the home they shared on Mandalong Court. Their children spent hours hiding in the house after their parents were shot in bed.
"There were 42 rounds shot at or into the victims at close range. Forty-two 40-caliber shell casings were recovered in the bedroom," Sheriff Chuck Jenkins told reporters during a Tuesday news conference.
Detectives say the shooting happened around 1:30 a.m., but Frederick County deputies did not arrive on the scene until 7:00 a.m.
When asked what took so long for police to arrive, Sheriff Jenkins said the kids hid in the house until they felt safe enough to come out. He wouldn't confirm if one of the children made the 911 call.
Baker's four children were found unharmed by deputies. Authorities say Lange is the father of one of the children.
"I can't imagine what is going through their minds," Jenkins said. "One of the children discovered his mother and the gentleman in the bed dead at the time. I can just say their life is destroyed. It's upside down right now."
Neighbors say the family had moved in the new neighborhood around eight months ago.
Police said they do not know what kind of gun is connected to the shell casings recovered from the home, but have partnered with other local agencies to solve this case.
A description of the suspect or suspects have not been pieced together at this time. But Jenkins said his department will be putting all of their resources into finding the killer.
Jenkins said they do not believe this to be a murder-suicide case, but he does not believe there is a risk to the public.
“This was a heinous targeted double murder, a crime of rage and anger," Jenkins said. "This is the type of crime that shocks the conscience of Frederick County residents. There is absolutely no reason to believe there is any risk or threat to the local public at large. I can assure the public that every available investigator and agency resource will be brought to bear in this case until the person(s) responsible are identified, arrested, and brought to justice."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Reese at 301-600-3640.