DC firefighter killed in shooting in Bryans Road area of Charles County

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. - D.C. Fire and EMS is mourning a firefighter killed in an early morning shooting Monday in Charles County.

A District Fire Department spokesperson confirmed that 30-year-old Carl Braxton, an 8-year firefighter and an EMT veteran, was the man killed in the suspected domestic violence-related shooting in the Bryans Road area of Charles County.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded after 3 a.m. for multiple shots fired by the 2900 block of Sedgemore Place.

Multiple neighbors told FOX 5 they heard up to six gunshots and that a neighbor, who was out walking his dog at the time, had apparently encountered a domestic violence situation. Neighbors say the dog owner tried to intervene to help the woman involved and allege it’s the dog owner who ended up shooting the D.C. firefighter.

Gina Richards told FOX 5’s Maureen Umeh on the scene early Monday morning: "I can’t understand that happening here. We’ve never had anything like that. It’s very unnerving. I think that the gentleman must have felt threatened. He doesn’t come across as someone who is, you know impulsive. He seems like kind of a calm guy. Even his dog is calm, you know. So to me, he must have felt threatened.  And it was dark in the middle of the night, so…"

"What I could hear from my window is my neighbor could’ve been, maybe, possibly trying to intervene with a domestic dispute, and the guy that got shot possibly said, ‘Mind your M-F businesses, or I’ll kill you and your dog," a second neighbor who asked not to be identified told FOX 5. "It’s very upsetting. One of the neighbors involved, I do know him and he’s a good person. You know, he helps people with the lawns around here. Very friendly, very nice guy. I’m so sorry this happened for both families because it’s very traumatic for everyone involved."

The Charles County Sheriff's Office confirmed it was vetting many of the statements given to law enforcement but still had not confirmed certain details by Monday evening.

The family of the firefighter who was killed came to the neighborhood after the shooting, hoping to get answers.

Braxton’s uncle, Frankie Braxton, told FOX 5, "[My nephew] loved his job, loved his family, loved his kids. We don’t really know what happened. It’s just a tragedy. My nephew gone."

D.C. Fire and EMS posted video placing black bunting over Engine 22 to honor the loss of Braxton, who worked at the Shepherd Park station. Braxton leaves behind two sons.

A statement from DCFEMS Chief John A. Donnelly reads, "The DC Fire and EMS Department is deeply saddened to announce the death of active-duty Firefighter/EMT Carl Braxton. Firefighter/EMT Braxton, who was 30 years old, passed away May 8, 2023. He was an eight-year veteran of the Department who was serving at Engine Company 22 in Shepherd Park at the time of his death. Firefighter/EMT Braxton joined the Department as part of Cadet Class 17 and graduated in April 2015. Firefighter/EMT Braxton is survived by his two sons. Members of the Department impacted by this loss are being provided assistance from our Peer Support Team. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues."

FOX 5 reached out but did not hear back from the Charles County States Attorney on whether the office plans to charge the shooter. That person is working with law enforcement.

No update on the woman’s condition was given.

This is a developing story. Check back with FOX 5 for updates.