Conviction in Gang-Graffiti Murder

A Baltimore City jury convicted Thomas Taylor, 27, of the 4000 block of Garrison Avenue today of first-degree murder, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence and attempted second-degree murder. The jury deliberated for approximately four hours today after hearing four days of testimony last week. Judge John N. Prevas scheduled sentencing for April 10, 2008. Details:

At 2:59 p.m. on March 1, 2006 in the 3300 block of Oakfield Avenue, Taylor, a self-described Blood, shot and killed Joseph Miller, 26. Miller, Taylor and others were arguing over Bloods graffiti located on the wall of a corner store in the neighborhood. Taylor, who was wearing red, left the scene. He returned with a gun, having changed his clothing to black. Miller remained at the scene in an attempt to break up the argument over the graffiti. Taylor hid behind some bushes, stood up, and fatally shot Miller and seriously wounded another.

Assistant State’s Attorney Theresa Shaffer of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.