Naval Academy Mom Shot, Killed Before Son's Induction Day: Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The mother of a future midshipman was accidentally shot and killed in downtown Annapolis early Tuesday morning, police announced. Officers informed that she was in town for her son's induction into the U.S. Naval Academy. Authorities identified the victim as 57-year-old Michelle Jordan Cummings of Houston.

"This was a horrific outcome for the kind of everyday gun violence that many cities across America see," Mayor Gavin Buckley said at a press conference. "Annapolis sadly is not immune."

The shooting happened around 12:21 a.m., an incident report added. Cummings was sitting on a hotel patio in the unit block of West Street with the parents of another incoming midshipman, Annapolis Chief of Police Edward Jackson explained.

Jackson mentioned that the shots were fired on nearby Pleasant Street. Cummings was not the intended target, the chief clarified, but multiple stray bullets struck her. The shooter was aiming for two uninjured victims and a parked car, Jackson indicated.

"Celebrating their son going into one of the best institutions in the United States turned into a tragic event," Jackson commented, noting that the son is a prospect for the Navy Football team.

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Medics pronounced Cummings dead on the scene, the write-up stated.

"My job is to make sure the city is safe," Jackson said. "Every time this happens, it’s very upsetting. I take it personally."

The Annapolis Police Department did not name a suspect, but Jackson suggested that he has a few leads. Authorities offered a cash reward of up to $2,000 for details that lead to an arrest or an indictment.

Detectives asked anybody with information to call 410-260-3439. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing 1-866-7LOCKUP.

"Turn yourself in," Jackson told the shooter. "We’re coming after you."

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