Remembering the Victims of the Paddington Place Mass Shooting in Annapolis One Month After the Tragic Killings

It has been one month since a local man was charged with killing three people and injuring three others during a mass shooting in Annapolis. 

On June 11, 2023, at approximately 7:57pm., the Annapolis Police Department was dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of Paddington Place following reports of a shooting, according to the documents obtained by Report Annapolis News.   Authorities said that upon arrival, police officers located six shooting victims, three of whom were already declared deceased on the scene.  The bodies were in the yard that connected a neighboring residence and the home of the suspect, the documents say.  

The suspect, Charles Robert Smith was reportedly found at the front door of his home with his hands up, surrendering to police.  Mr. Smith made statements indicating that he shot the people because they shot at his house.  He was taken into custody there on the scene. 

Three surviving victims, a 29-year-old female who sustained an apparent gunshot wound to her ankle, a 28-year-old male who sustained an apparent gunshot wound to his arm, and a 26-year-old female who was shot once in the leg and once in the back, were transported to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. 

The preliminary investigation determined that one of the deceased victims, Mario Mireles, who lived just a few doors down from the suspect, was having a large party, and many cars were parking on the street.  Nearly 15 minutes before shots were fired, Mr. Smith’s mother made a parking enforcement complaint, stating that one of those vehicles were blocking the driveway to their home.  

According to statements made by witnesses on the scene and surviving victims, Mario Mireles went next door to discuss the parking issue.  He argued with Mr. Smith’s mother before Mr. Smith returned home and confronted Mario.  The argument between Mr. Smith and Mr. Mireles escalated and Mr. Smith displayed a gun.  Mr. Smith and Mr. Mireles tussled over the gun before Mr. Smith shot Mr. Mireles and one of the three surviving victims. 

Investigators allege that Mr. Smith then stood over top of Mr. Mireles and shot him several more times. 

"While witnesses on the scene were attempting to render aid to Mario Mireles, Mr. Smith retreated into his home and began to fire out of the window with a rifle at them.  While shooting from inside of the residence, Mario Mireles’ father, Nicholas Mireles, was also shot and killed," the documents say.  "Three other witnesses to the shooting were also shot, one later becoming the third victim to die on the scene. "

Christian Marlon Segovia, 25, of Severn, was identified as the third person killed during the incident. 

There was no evidence on the scene that would suggest any of the victims were armed at any time, court documents indicate. 

A fundraiser has since been created to assist the Mireles family with funeral expenses.  

According to the fundraiser description, Mario Mireles, 27, and Nicolas Mireles, 55, were amazing dads, always willing to help, they always brightened up the room.  "Mario leaves behind a pregnant wife and 3 beautiful children.  Nicolas Mireles leaves behind a wife, 10 children and grandchildren. We are deeply saddened and hurt about this," the profile said.  "We are raising money for my husband and father in law for their funeral expensive. They were brutally murdered over a parking spot while we were celebrating Mario’s brother's birthday."

To donate, go to:  Fundraiser to Cover Funeral Arrangements for Mario & Nicolas Mireles

According to an obituary, Mario Mireles was an entrepreneur, business man, and leader. "He started his mobile detailing business four years ago. He wanted to provide a better future for his family. His company wasn’t just an everyday job; he truly enjoyed what he did," the obituary said. 

An online profile said Nicolas Mireles leaves behind a wife, 10 children and grandchildren.  "As a teacher at Odenton Elementary School, I had the pleasure of spending time talking to Mr. Mireles on multiple occasions. He was always kind and supportive of our work with his children," one of the messages said. "As busy as he was as a business owner, he made time for parent conferences and school events. It was evident in his words and actions that being a good father and supporting his children’s success meant everything to him. "

A public visitation was held for Mario and Nicolas on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Maryland Hall in Annapolis.  

Christian “Chele” Segovia grew up in a loving and proudly Peruvian-Salvadoran household that was always surrounded by family and friends, according to an obituary.  "His spirit was one of a kind and truly unmatched. He knew his worth and never had to prove to anyone what his value was."

Smith has been charged with multiple crimes, including 3 counts of second degree murder and 3 counts of attempted second degree murder. 

Unconfirmed reports indicate that authorities are working with the FBI in order to determine if this shooting should be considered a hate crime. In a statement to Report Annapolis News, a FBI spokesperson said the federal agency is "assisting" the Annapolis Police Department. "Of course we will follow wherever an investigation leads, but per policy we wouldn't comment on ongoing investigations," the spokesperson said.  

"They are trying to determine the motive, whatever it may be," said Annapolis Police PIO Shepard Bennett.  If the FBI does decide a hate crime was committed, the matter will become a federal case, Mr. Bennett stated.  "We wait and see."

In a statement to Report Annapolis, Attorney Mark Howe, the defense lawyer representing Mr. Smith, confirmed that his client is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention without bond.  "I am currently representing the Defendant, Charles Robert Smith, in the shooting matter filed against him here in Anne Arundel County," wrote Mr. Howe.  "I appeared in court today on behalf of Mr. Smith for a bail review and the judge denied our request to set an amount of bail."

Smith remains held without bond.  A hearing has been scheduled in the case for July 26.

***Any suspects/arrested/charged individuals and persons of interest named in the articles are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.***