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Rebecca Smith, a sales assistant at the Capital Gazette, has been confirmed as one of the deceased victims of the shooting in Annapolis, Maryland on Thursday, June 28. Smith, who was just 34 years old, was a recent hire at the company. On social media, Smith described herself as a “Dog Mom. Softball Fiance. Bonus Mom to the best kid ever.”
She was making a positive impact on her employers in the short time with the newspaper.
“She was a very thoughtful person,” Capital Gazette advertising director Marty Padden said, via the Baltimore Sun. “She was kind and considerate, and willing to help when needed. She seemed to really enjoy to be working in the media business.”
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The other deceased victims were Wendi Winters, Robert Hiaasen, Gerald Fischman and John McNamara. All five victims were employees of the newspaper.
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Jarrod Ramos, 38, has been identified as the suspected shooter in the incident which reportedly left at least five people dead and several more “gravely injured” in Annapolis, Maryland. NBC News and CBS News were among the first to confirm his identity. On Thursday, June 25, police responded to an active shooter situation at the Capital Gazette News building. The incident took place outside of the Capital Gazette newsroom. According to FOX 46, “Anne Arundel County police said the shots fired report came in at about 2:35 p.m. in the 800 block of Bestgate Road near the Westfield Annapolis Mall.”
The Capital Gazette had received threats on social media earlier in the day, according to law enforcement officials. Shortly after police responded to the active shooter situation, reports surfaced that Ramos was apprehended and taken into custody.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available. Refresh for updates.
