In the midst of a city quieted by a pandemic, the life of 24-year-old Ernest Wilson III was cut short in a sudden act of violence that unfolded, in part, before a live online audience. On what should have been a night of fun and games with friends in a rented South Baltimore home, Wilson was fatally shot in what police believe was a robbery gone wrong.
The tragic event took place in the early morning hours of a Saturday in April 2020.
Wilson was known for hosting lively parties, and this 'game night' was no different. He was streaming the festivities on Facebook Live, sharing the cheerful atmosphere with his online friends. The video captured Wilson walking through the party, engaging in a game of hide-and-seek with his guests. As he moved into the backyard to search for those hiding, the joyful scene took a dark turn. An attacker was seen climbing over the fence, and a voice commanded Wilson to get on the ground. A commotion followed, and the live stream abruptly ended.
According to Baltimore police, two individuals entered the property and announced a robbery, demanding money from the attendees. In the ensuing chaos, Wilson was shot. When officers arrived at the home on South Charles Street around 2:44 a.m., they found Wilson suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Despite the shocking nature of the crime and the initial leads provided by the live-streamed video, the investigation into Ernest Wilson III's murder has not led to any arrests. The case remains unsolved, leaving his family and friends without answers and the perpetrators still at large. The suspects, described as two attackers, fled the scene before police arrived and have not been publicly identified. The Baltimore Police Department has continued to ask for anyone with information to come forward.
