A bit more about the circumstances that surround 2008's first murder, and some additional info about the investigation into whether Kerri King killed Courtney Brooks with her SUV.
Speaking of alleged asshole drunks, a 24-year-old construction worker from Ohio is being arraigned today on five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide. He received minor injuries in the crash that killed a mother and four kids from Parkville.
Luke Broadwater's long-awaited recap of Baltimore City's 2007 homicides has been published, along with a list of December's murder victims.
Three victims are listed in today's Murder Ink.
Salisbury had their first homicide of 2007 in mid-December.
A curious comment in article about Edgewood citizens who are tired of local violence: "Without the ability or authority to discipline their children, parents end up ceding that responsibility to police." Ummmmm... so why exactly don't parents have the ability or authority to discipline their children?
A 31-year-old genius refused to drop the gun he was firing into the air to celebrate the New Year, and was rewarded with a police bullet to the gut.
We've come to expect stabbings and armed robberies, but for the love of God, leave our vodka alone!
The investigation into Anthony McCarthy's rather mysterious "inappropriate behavior" has been completed.
A bunch of cars in Canton were vandalized.
Sheila D. will be attending a screening of The Wire at the Senator on Saturday. David Simon is going after the fine folks at the Sun this season.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
January 1, evening
We made it almost 60 minutes into the new year without a murder.
Police arrested 40-year-old Elkton resident Kerri King, the owner of the green SUV being sought in the hit-and-run death of MdTA officer Courtney Brooks. King was being held on charges related to a September DUI arrest. Her Ford Explorer had heavy damage to the front end.
Francisco Pascual, the Gwynn Oak man charged with smuggling and raping an underage girl from El Salvador, had his bail doubled to $2M. I don't know anything about Milford (CT) State's Attorney Kevin Lawlor, but he just might be my new hero.
Police arrested 40-year-old Elkton resident Kerri King, the owner of the green SUV being sought in the hit-and-run death of MdTA officer Courtney Brooks. King was being held on charges related to a September DUI arrest. Her Ford Explorer had heavy damage to the front end.
Francisco Pascual, the Gwynn Oak man charged with smuggling and raping an underage girl from El Salvador, had his bail doubled to $2M. I don't know anything about Milford (CT) State's Attorney Kevin Lawlor, but he just might be my new hero.
New Year's Eve hit and run
Officer Courtney G. Brooks was hit and killed while he worked a traffic detail last night at the intersection of 95 & 395. He was a 13-year police veteran. Police are looking for a green Ford Explorer with temporary Delaware tags XB719820.
(I almost feel bad for my snide comment about WJZ in the previous post. Almost.)
(I almost feel bad for my snide comment about WJZ in the previous post. Almost.)
January 1
Lewis Lee Cochran was arrested in the Edgewood home invasion on Sunday that left one man dead.
A Maryland Transportation Authority officer was the victim of a hit and run last night near 95 and 395. WJZ says he was killed, but WJZ says a lot of things.
The man killed outside the Stop, Shop & Save on N. Caroline St. last Friday has been ID'd as 25-year-old Todd Dargan.
Also in the Blotter (above link), the carjacker who desperately needed a '91 Blazer got arrested, the guy who got shot finally remembered where it happened, and teenagers in the metro area just aren't being very nice to each other.
Bringin' in the new year at juvie.
Looks like at least a few of the teens charged with beating Sarah Kreager on the MTA's No. 27 bus tried to claim that Kreager started the fight.
William A. Hendry IV allegedly taped he and his ex-wife having sex without her consent.
A 43-year-old man in Annapolis was stabbed after four men accused him of an earlier robbery.
Today's tip for stupid criminals: Don't ask a cop to move his car when (a) you're carrying around nearly 9 grams of wacky tabaccy, and (b) you're the reason the police were called in the first place.
The Examiner has a bunch of pretty neat year-end recaps that include updates on some major stories. Here's the one for Baltimore City.
Vandals in HoCo painted hateful messages on cars, houses, and driveways in well-to-do Clarksville.
A Maryland Transportation Authority officer was the victim of a hit and run last night near 95 and 395. WJZ says he was killed, but WJZ says a lot of things.
The man killed outside the Stop, Shop & Save on N. Caroline St. last Friday has been ID'd as 25-year-old Todd Dargan.
Also in the Blotter (above link), the carjacker who desperately needed a '91 Blazer got arrested, the guy who got shot finally remembered where it happened, and teenagers in the metro area just aren't being very nice to each other.
Bringin' in the new year at juvie.
Looks like at least a few of the teens charged with beating Sarah Kreager on the MTA's No. 27 bus tried to claim that Kreager started the fight.
William A. Hendry IV allegedly taped he and his ex-wife having sex without her consent.
A 43-year-old man in Annapolis was stabbed after four men accused him of an earlier robbery.
Today's tip for stupid criminals: Don't ask a cop to move his car when (a) you're carrying around nearly 9 grams of wacky tabaccy, and (b) you're the reason the police were called in the first place.
The Examiner has a bunch of pretty neat year-end recaps that include updates on some major stories. Here's the one for Baltimore City.
Vandals in HoCo painted hateful messages on cars, houses, and driveways in well-to-do Clarksville.
Monday, December 31, 2007
December 31
Five members of a Parkville family were killed by a drunk driver in Ohio.
A Gwynn Oak man got his ass kicked -- both physically and legally -- after allegedly raping an underage Salvadoran girl who he smuggled into the country.
Josh Mitchell takes a look at differences in the motives that drive suburban and urban homicide.
Two men in Edgewood were shot by Crips yesterday.
Police have the victim and the bullet wound, but nobody knows where it happened. (Also in the Blotter, a grocery store owner was stabbed and robbed, a man was carjacked of his nearly 20-year-old Chevy, and a blonde woman in the Southeastern is armed with a bad sense of fashion.)
A Bel Air man is attributing a Molotov cocktail attack on his house to "a rash of vandalism in his neighborhood."
Be on the lookout for a 5'9" black man with a graying goatee who is wearing blue jeans and robbing banks. Wait a second... I think there's three of him working in my office as we speak!
MTA Police Chief David Franklin says the buses are safe; one of the nine kids who attacked Sarah Kreager doesn't agree.
If the slackers at the Dunkin Donuts in Berlin, MD kept their stupid store open 24 hours like every other DD on the face of the planet, these morons wouldn't have stood a chance.
Rodney Bethea just wants to talk, man!
Pat Jessamy's staff is looking into bogus parking tickets in the city.
A Gwynn Oak man got his ass kicked -- both physically and legally -- after allegedly raping an underage Salvadoran girl who he smuggled into the country.
Josh Mitchell takes a look at differences in the motives that drive suburban and urban homicide.
Two men in Edgewood were shot by Crips yesterday.
Police have the victim and the bullet wound, but nobody knows where it happened. (Also in the Blotter, a grocery store owner was stabbed and robbed, a man was carjacked of his nearly 20-year-old Chevy, and a blonde woman in the Southeastern is armed with a bad sense of fashion.)
A Bel Air man is attributing a Molotov cocktail attack on his house to "a rash of vandalism in his neighborhood."
Be on the lookout for a 5'9" black man with a graying goatee who is wearing blue jeans and robbing banks. Wait a second... I think there's three of him working in my office as we speak!
MTA Police Chief David Franklin says the buses are safe; one of the nine kids who attacked Sarah Kreager doesn't agree.
If the slackers at the Dunkin Donuts in Berlin, MD kept their stupid store open 24 hours like every other DD on the face of the planet, these morons wouldn't have stood a chance.
Rodney Bethea just wants to talk, man!
Pat Jessamy's staff is looking into bogus parking tickets in the city.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
December 30
The Sun does their year-end homicide wrap-up without any sensationalist headlines. Depressing QOTD from Julie B.: "The increase, though slight, underscores a troubling trend in homicides that leaves Baltimore standing virtually alone among major American cities."
A look at the strategies of some of those other American cities.
HarCo reduced their homicide rate by nearly 50%.
More details on the delivery driver from China Spring who was robbed and shot in Glen Burnie last week.
I missed an interesting article from yesterday's Sun about dealing with violence in the city's schools. (On an unrelated note, did you know that we have a Homeland Security Academy in West Baltimore? Does that seem creepy to anyone but me?)
I don't entirely understand the details, but protective orders in Maryland are being standardized to offer more consistent protection to victims of abuse. Or something like that.
A look at the strategies of some of those other American cities.
HarCo reduced their homicide rate by nearly 50%.
More details on the delivery driver from China Spring who was robbed and shot in Glen Burnie last week.
I missed an interesting article from yesterday's Sun about dealing with violence in the city's schools. (On an unrelated note, did you know that we have a Homeland Security Academy in West Baltimore? Does that seem creepy to anyone but me?)
I don't entirely understand the details, but protective orders in Maryland are being standardized to offer more consistent protection to victims of abuse. Or something like that.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
December 29, Evening Edition
A corpse was found on I-97 near Annapolis, and an abandoned car was found nearby.
A man in his late 30s committed suicide at Lexington Market this morning.
Joseph Brown was allegedly selling a handgun when he was murdered. There's an important lesson here for aspiring illegal gun dealers: don't give loaded weapons to your potential customers.
You mean Christmas Eve isn't the traditional day of desecrating tombstones?
Gotta love those JZ headlines that inform us of genuinely surprising local developments: "Baltimore's Murder Rate Continues To Climb".
A man in his late 30s committed suicide at Lexington Market this morning.
Joseph Brown was allegedly selling a handgun when he was murdered. There's an important lesson here for aspiring illegal gun dealers: don't give loaded weapons to your potential customers.
You mean Christmas Eve isn't the traditional day of desecrating tombstones?
Gotta love those JZ headlines that inform us of genuinely surprising local developments: "Baltimore's Murder Rate Continues To Climb".
December 29
A 25-year-old man became victim #282 yesterday afternoon outside the Stop, Shop & Save on N. Caroline St.
The man murdered in Pikesville has been ID'd as 22-year-old Joseph Edward Brown.
Very disturbing details on the child abuse allegations against Towson parents John and Susan Griffin.
A man was shot by police last night in the Southwestern, probably because society forced him to try to run over a cop.
The Bus Beaters aren't getting charged with hate crimes. No word on whether they'll be charged with being assholes.
Shoplifters and armed robbers run amok in the Blotter.
The man murdered in Pikesville has been ID'd as 22-year-old Joseph Edward Brown.
Very disturbing details on the child abuse allegations against Towson parents John and Susan Griffin.
A man was shot by police last night in the Southwestern, probably because society forced him to try to run over a cop.
The Bus Beaters aren't getting charged with hate crimes. No word on whether they'll be charged with being assholes.
Shoplifters and armed robbers run amok in the Blotter.
Friday, December 28, 2007
December 28
A Towson couple was arrested after their 3-year-old, 14-pound son died. According to the boy's parents, he had the flu and a Christmas tree fell on him.
The body of a man in his 20s was found in a rarely used alley in Pikesville, and authorities aren't sure who he is or how he got there.
A few victim IDs in the Blotter: William Harper was the guy who was killed on Christmas Eve on Reisterstown Rd., and Kevin Bacon was the man who was killed on Wednesday on N. Dallas St. Police are still looking for info about the man who was killed on 12/20 on S. Paca St. in Mt. Winans.
Today's Blotter is chock full of good times, Baltimore style. Did you know that we have a T&A Mart, and it's not on the Block?
Also in the Blotter, a man was stabbed in the neck at a bus stop on North Ave. Everybody together now: "M - T - A. Reliable and Safe. M - T - A. Reliable and Safe."
Speaking of reliable and safe, apparently it's those meddling kids who are causing all the problems on the buses.
A city resident is behind bars in HoCo after allegedly being too much of a wuss to move on after his girlfriend dumped his ass for another guy.
No bail for David Winters.
If I'm understanding the poorly worded article correctly, a home invasion in Cumberland left a victim and an assailant wounded.
Alleged sexual offender Ronald Lee Moore was caught breaking into a house in Louisiana. He was accidentally released from the Baltimore City Correctional Center last month.
Today's helpful hint for stupid gun owners: don't stash your gun beneath the cushions of your couch if you have a 5-year-old kid.
Okay, do we really expect a guy who can spend weeks sitting on top of a bar to be financially responsible?
Ahhhhh... we'll be seeing much more of this as the mortgage mess continues to unfold.
The body of a man in his 20s was found in a rarely used alley in Pikesville, and authorities aren't sure who he is or how he got there.
A few victim IDs in the Blotter: William Harper was the guy who was killed on Christmas Eve on Reisterstown Rd., and Kevin Bacon was the man who was killed on Wednesday on N. Dallas St. Police are still looking for info about the man who was killed on 12/20 on S. Paca St. in Mt. Winans.
Today's Blotter is chock full of good times, Baltimore style. Did you know that we have a T&A Mart, and it's not on the Block?
Also in the Blotter, a man was stabbed in the neck at a bus stop on North Ave. Everybody together now: "M - T - A. Reliable and Safe. M - T - A. Reliable and Safe."
Speaking of reliable and safe, apparently it's those meddling kids who are causing all the problems on the buses.
A city resident is behind bars in HoCo after allegedly being too much of a wuss to move on after his girlfriend dumped his ass for another guy.
No bail for David Winters.
If I'm understanding the poorly worded article correctly, a home invasion in Cumberland left a victim and an assailant wounded.
Alleged sexual offender Ronald Lee Moore was caught breaking into a house in Louisiana. He was accidentally released from the Baltimore City Correctional Center last month.
Today's helpful hint for stupid gun owners: don't stash your gun beneath the cushions of your couch if you have a 5-year-old kid.
Okay, do we really expect a guy who can spend weeks sitting on top of a bar to be financially responsible?
Ahhhhh... we'll be seeing much more of this as the mortgage mess continues to unfold.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
December 27
A man was fatally shot yesterday in the 1700 block of N. Dallas St. (Copy editors at the Sun are apparently on vacation this week: "where he was died during surgery...")
Jason Milton Allen was ID'd as the man who was fatally shot in the 2300 block of Druid Hill Ave. on Friday night.
In MoCo, recent Marine recruit David Winters claimed a bunch of scary men attacked him and his father. Police didn't buy the story, and charged Winters with killing his dad.
Five non-fatal (so far) city shootings were reported in this morning's Sun, including a 24-year-old woman who was driving with her family on Orleans St. by Hopkins early on Christmas morning, and a 19-year-old man who was carrying a pistol and some crack when he got a bullet lodged in his skull and flipped his car. Sucks to be him.
A delivery driver was shot and robbed in Glen Burnie last night.
A 55-year-old inmate at Jessup was stabbed and taken to Shock Trauma. No word yet on whether or not he was able to escape from the hospital.
If you live in an upstairs apartment, it's probably best if you don't shoot randomly through your floor.
Rodney wishes he'd stopped bitchin'.
Project EXILE charged 18 people with federal gun offenses in December, including Rodney's poor, victimized friend Akiba.
One of Sheila D.'s minions said yesterday's bus shooting was unacceptable, because "we need for (public transit) to be reliable and safe." Huh. Obviously these people don't ride the bus.
Oh, hey... look at that. A 17-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother were robbed at gunpoint while waiting for an MTA bus. Reliable and safe, my ass.
The zoo is safe, as long as you don't take the bus to get there.
Beware of phony cops who call and ask for credit card info on your customers.
Okay, somebody has to know what happened on Christmas night on the corner of S. Broadway and E. Pratt. We Baltimore Crimers slave over hot computers day and night for you, so the least you could do is fill in a missing gap here and there. Or don't. We don't really care anyway. Whatever. (Uh-oh. All the passive-aggressive family holiday fun is spilling over.)
Jason Milton Allen was ID'd as the man who was fatally shot in the 2300 block of Druid Hill Ave. on Friday night.
In MoCo, recent Marine recruit David Winters claimed a bunch of scary men attacked him and his father. Police didn't buy the story, and charged Winters with killing his dad.
Five non-fatal (so far) city shootings were reported in this morning's Sun, including a 24-year-old woman who was driving with her family on Orleans St. by Hopkins early on Christmas morning, and a 19-year-old man who was carrying a pistol and some crack when he got a bullet lodged in his skull and flipped his car. Sucks to be him.
A delivery driver was shot and robbed in Glen Burnie last night.
A 55-year-old inmate at Jessup was stabbed and taken to Shock Trauma. No word yet on whether or not he was able to escape from the hospital.
If you live in an upstairs apartment, it's probably best if you don't shoot randomly through your floor.
Rodney wishes he'd stopped bitchin'.
Project EXILE charged 18 people with federal gun offenses in December, including Rodney's poor, victimized friend Akiba.
One of Sheila D.'s minions said yesterday's bus shooting was unacceptable, because "we need for (public transit) to be reliable and safe." Huh. Obviously these people don't ride the bus.
Oh, hey... look at that. A 17-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother were robbed at gunpoint while waiting for an MTA bus. Reliable and safe, my ass.
The zoo is safe, as long as you don't take the bus to get there.
Beware of phony cops who call and ask for credit card info on your customers.
Okay, somebody has to know what happened on Christmas night on the corner of S. Broadway and E. Pratt. We Baltimore Crimers slave over hot computers day and night for you, so the least you could do is fill in a missing gap here and there. Or don't. We don't really care anyway. Whatever. (Uh-oh. All the passive-aggressive family holiday fun is spilling over.)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
December 26
One of the three Christmas Eve shooting victims mentioned on Tuesday succumbed to his injuries, and another fatal Christmas Eve shooting was reported.
This morning, a 14-year-old boy was shot in the leg on the No. 15 bus in West Baltimore.
Hey Kevin... generally speaking, we shouldn't stab our friends.
The Greater Baltimore Committee has statistics that prove Baltimore's a pretty great place to live.
It's got nothing to do with crime, but 16 cats died in a Cockeysville fire, and a 300-pound man and his dog died in a fire in the Southwestern.
Something went down around 11:00 last night at the corner of S. Broadway and E. Pratt. Does anybody know what happened?
This morning, a 14-year-old boy was shot in the leg on the No. 15 bus in West Baltimore.
Hey Kevin... generally speaking, we shouldn't stab our friends.
The Greater Baltimore Committee has statistics that prove Baltimore's a pretty great place to live.
It's got nothing to do with crime, but 16 cats died in a Cockeysville fire, and a 300-pound man and his dog died in a fire in the Southwestern.
Something went down around 11:00 last night at the corner of S. Broadway and E. Pratt. Does anybody know what happened?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Crime never takes a vacation!
Three separate shootings Xmas eve.
"Repeal of Md. Death Penalty Still Seems Out of Reach"
"Arrest a child, rescue a life"
Edgewood is a mess! Andre Overton, the man shot on the 22nd, was the brother of a man killed last New Year's Day.
The Vulcan Blazers are flamin' mad that the firefighters accused of cheating have been asked to retake the promotional exam.
"Repeal of Md. Death Penalty Still Seems Out of Reach"
"Arrest a child, rescue a life"
Edgewood is a mess! Andre Overton, the man shot on the 22nd, was the brother of a man killed last New Year's Day.
The Vulcan Blazers are flamin' mad that the firefighters accused of cheating have been asked to retake the promotional exam.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Weekend
Friday night, a man was found shot to death at the intersection of North and Druid Hill avenues.
Baltimorean judicial suckitude has pissed off the Beantown PD!:
Boston police officer Lt. David Murphy allegedly punched his girlfriend off a Baltimore barstool and fled from cops, but because "the Baltimore judgment amounted to a dismissal of legal charges," the Boston police Commissioner says his department has no choice but to let Murphy return to work-- gun, badge and all.
Police are looking for a suspect in a fatal shooting in Edgewood.
What's new in "Stop Snitching 2"? Marketing savvy, and one Kenneth Morris, who "serves as a Virgil to the Dantes lost in Baltimore's Inferno."
An officer was accidentally shot by a bullet meant for a dog.
Baltimorean judicial suckitude has pissed off the Beantown PD!:
Boston police officer Lt. David Murphy allegedly punched his girlfriend off a Baltimore barstool and fled from cops, but because "the Baltimore judgment amounted to a dismissal of legal charges," the Boston police Commissioner says his department has no choice but to let Murphy return to work-- gun, badge and all.
Police are looking for a suspect in a fatal shooting in Edgewood.
What's new in "Stop Snitching 2"? Marketing savvy, and one Kenneth Morris, who "serves as a Virgil to the Dantes lost in Baltimore's Inferno."
An officer was accidentally shot by a bullet meant for a dog.
Friday, December 21, 2007
December 21
Four nonfatal shootings and a stabbing the Blotter.
There was a fourth arrest in the Glen Stewart murder.
Edward Williams got 85 years for robbing an off-duty police officer and her then-5-year-old daughter at gunpoint in January.
University of MD law students helped get some indigent non-violent detainees released.
Rilly? GBC says that the city is growing in "prestige, population."
WYPR continues coverage of ex-offenders re-entering society
QTD: "The thing that always amazes me is what people think that we do and what we're capable of. They think that we're some place between a super hero and the Pope with a law degree." -- Maynard Edwards re. the Ed Norris show. ("we"?)
Good news! If you've turned 17 since November 4 of this year, you can now register to vote, and vote in your party's primary! Just download the forms and mail them in.
There was a fourth arrest in the Glen Stewart murder.
Edward Williams got 85 years for robbing an off-duty police officer and her then-5-year-old daughter at gunpoint in January.
University of MD law students helped get some indigent non-violent detainees released.
Rilly? GBC says that the city is growing in "prestige, population."
WYPR continues coverage of ex-offenders re-entering society
QTD: "The thing that always amazes me is what people think that we do and what we're capable of. They think that we're some place between a super hero and the Pope with a law degree." -- Maynard Edwards re. the Ed Norris show. ("we"?)
Good news! If you've turned 17 since November 4 of this year, you can now register to vote, and vote in your party's primary! Just download the forms and mail them in.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
December 20
A man was shot to death in the 2600 block of S. Paca Street this morning. Sentementes reports that this is official murder #277.
Lezli Williams, 22, was strangled to death Tuesday afternoon in her apartment, and police are seeking a suspect.
"A man who refused to surrender to police for several hours after a domestic situation yesterday afternoon in an apartment in the 2700 block of Greenmount Ave. in the Barclay community was taken into custody and faces domestic assault charges."
And "A man was shot in the chest about 8:30 p.m. yesterday in the 900 block of Pennsylvania Ave."
Plus lots of robbery in the Blotter.
The girl stabbed on the #51 bus reportedly participated in the brawling.
Lezli Williams, 22, was strangled to death Tuesday afternoon in her apartment, and police are seeking a suspect.
"A man who refused to surrender to police for several hours after a domestic situation yesterday afternoon in an apartment in the 2700 block of Greenmount Ave. in the Barclay community was taken into custody and faces domestic assault charges."
And "A man was shot in the chest about 8:30 p.m. yesterday in the 900 block of Pennsylvania Ave."
Plus lots of robbery in the Blotter.
The girl stabbed on the #51 bus reportedly participated in the brawling.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Indictment for the Murder of Carl Eugene Barnes
The Grand Jury today indicted Brandon Holland, 25, of the 3800 block of Delverne Road for first-degree murder and handgun charges. Court documents allege on August 1, 2007, Brandon Hall was identified as the person responsible for a shooting Barnes several times in the unit block of 2400 block of Westwood Avenue.
It's Stop Snitching 2!
Just in time for Christmas! Says the DVD's site, 
UPDATE: More from the Sun.
QTD: "Jessamy said she is a bit flattered by the mention of her name in the sequel, attached as it is to some salty language."
Hope this one has subtitles knowhatimsayin?
The highly controversial “Stop Snitching” DVD gained national attention and multimedia coverage raising the bar for what is considered real in urban America. Fearing their message was too powerful Baltimore City and Maryland State officials attempted to pass legislation to prevent the filmmakers from producing a sequel but to no avail Producer Rodney Bethea and Host Skinny Suge bring you “Stop Snitching” Part 2 and continue to show the reality of hard times on hard streets.... and local media and the mayor are giving them plenty of free press!
Learn the truth behind the rumors of the first “Stop Snitching” DVD. Find out the real story behind who was arrested and why? The role the media played spreading lies and what they didn’t want you to know!
UPDATE: More from the Sun.
QTD: "Jessamy said she is a bit flattered by the mention of her name in the sequel, attached as it is to some salty language."
Hope this one has subtitles knowhatimsayin?
December 19
Our 275th official murder was three-year-old Jabari Stocks, who died of a head injury.
Your tax $$ at work:
A portly and violent rapist, Ronald Lee Moore, was accidentally released from an AAC jail. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Tracy Morgan at 410-222-3466 or 410-222-8610.
Nine plaintiffs have joined the ACLU's illegal-arrest-practices lawsuit against the BPD.
"Maryland paid welfare benefits to about 52,000 residents who in 2006 did not provide Social Security numbers or used invalid ones, according to a state audit of the Family Investment Administration." That's about 17% of total welfare cases.
(Did you know? The Washington Times is owned by Reverend Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church!)
A police officer got glass in his eye responding to a domestic call on Sunday; a 49-year-old woman stabbed a man in his home; a chainsaw, methadone, Greek god statue and half a bottle of rum purloined in the Blotter.
The machete-wielding man shot by police in Catonsville was awaiting trial on charges of making his foster children watch pornography.
Police arrested some big-deal jewel thieves in Timonium.
Your tax $$ at work:
A portly and violent rapist, Ronald Lee Moore, was accidentally released from an AAC jail. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Tracy Morgan at 410-222-3466 or 410-222-8610.
Nine plaintiffs have joined the ACLU's illegal-arrest-practices lawsuit against the BPD.
"Maryland paid welfare benefits to about 52,000 residents who in 2006 did not provide Social Security numbers or used invalid ones, according to a state audit of the Family Investment Administration." That's about 17% of total welfare cases.
(Did you know? The Washington Times is owned by Reverend Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church!)
A police officer got glass in his eye responding to a domestic call on Sunday; a 49-year-old woman stabbed a man in his home; a chainsaw, methadone, Greek god statue and half a bottle of rum purloined in the Blotter.
The machete-wielding man shot by police in Catonsville was awaiting trial on charges of making his foster children watch pornography.
Police arrested some big-deal jewel thieves in Timonium.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Three Bus Attacks in Three Weeks!
A teenage girl was stabbed in the arm today on the #51 bus near Mondawmin! Have city buses always been rolling hellholes, or are we in the throes of some widespread teenager freakout?
Remember Kenneth Barnes, whose visit to a Falls Road snowball stand got him arrested and triggered a panic a la "Little Children"? Now the victim of the original case says she lied. His mother is asking the public to call the governor to ask for his release for Christmas.
The Ink reports on the murders of Artavious Tubman, Richard Lawson and Jamal Rowlett.
The CP, and excellent reporter Van Smith, are being sued for $12 million by Nicholas Piscatelli, who claims that the paper accused him in two stories in 2006 of murdering Jason Convertino and Sean Wisniewski or arranging their murders.
Remember Kenneth Barnes, whose visit to a Falls Road snowball stand got him arrested and triggered a panic a la "Little Children"? Now the victim of the original case says she lied. His mother is asking the public to call the governor to ask for his release for Christmas.
The Ink reports on the murders of Artavious Tubman, Richard Lawson and Jamal Rowlett.
The CP, and excellent reporter Van Smith, are being sued for $12 million by Nicholas Piscatelli, who claims that the paper accused him in two stories in 2006 of murdering Jason Convertino and Sean Wisniewski or arranging their murders.
25 Years for Murder and Robbery of Jose Mendoza
From the SA's office:
At arraignment today, William Salmeron, 21, of Owings Mills, Maryland pled guilty to second degree murder, attempted robbery deadly weapon and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. Judge Lynn K. Stewart sentenced Salmeron to 25 years in prison for the murder count and a concurrent 20 years for the robbery and five years for the handgun counts.
On January 16, 2006, Salmeron was among a group of people who entered a restaurant in the 400 block of S. Newkirk Street announcing a robbery. Salmeron, who admitted to police to belonging to the gang MS-13, told the court today that he and the others were riding around and needed money. He and the unknown assailants with a shotgun attempted to rob the establishment when the owner, Jose Mendoza, 42, grabbed the weapon. A struggled ensued and one of the assailants shot Mendoza in the head. He died at Johns Hopkins Hospital the same day.
Salmeron is already serving a 26-year prison sentence handed down for a murder in North Carolina and is facing murder charges for a pending case in Baltimore County.
Assistant State’s Attorney and Homicide Division Chief Mark Cohen prosecuted this case.
At arraignment today, William Salmeron, 21, of Owings Mills, Maryland pled guilty to second degree murder, attempted robbery deadly weapon and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. Judge Lynn K. Stewart sentenced Salmeron to 25 years in prison for the murder count and a concurrent 20 years for the robbery and five years for the handgun counts.
On January 16, 2006, Salmeron was among a group of people who entered a restaurant in the 400 block of S. Newkirk Street announcing a robbery. Salmeron, who admitted to police to belonging to the gang MS-13, told the court today that he and the others were riding around and needed money. He and the unknown assailants with a shotgun attempted to rob the establishment when the owner, Jose Mendoza, 42, grabbed the weapon. A struggled ensued and one of the assailants shot Mendoza in the head. He died at Johns Hopkins Hospital the same day.
Salmeron is already serving a 26-year prison sentence handed down for a murder in North Carolina and is facing murder charges for a pending case in Baltimore County.
Assistant State’s Attorney and Homicide Division Chief Mark Cohen prosecuted this case.
Lawyers: Teens Demeaned
Unshockingly, lawyers for two of the alleged teen-boy bus-beaters held a press conference to say that their clients are innocent and were misidentified.
UPDATE: you can watch the press conference on the Sun's web site. Yawn.
Boy vey! The Sun reports that Israel Shapiro (not to be confused with rabbi Ephraim F. Shapiro, or "Dateline" rabbi David Kaye), a former bar mitzvah lessons teacher in Baltimore's Orthodox Jewish community, was charged yesterday with sex offenses that allegedly occurred nearly two decades ago against a then-12-year-old boy and his brother.
UPDATE: you can watch the press conference on the Sun's web site. Yawn.
Boy vey! The Sun reports that Israel Shapiro (not to be confused with rabbi Ephraim F. Shapiro, or "Dateline" rabbi David Kaye), a former bar mitzvah lessons teacher in Baltimore's Orthodox Jewish community, was charged yesterday with sex offenses that allegedly occurred nearly two decades ago against a then-12-year-old boy and his brother.
December 18
Lance H. Walker and Nadirah V. Moreno were arrested for the murder of Marlon Beckford (#256). Fox reported that Walker has a gigantamic rap sheet and was supposed to have been serving 50 years for his various crimes.
In better news, "Operation Safe Holiday" has led to the nabbing of 141 criminals.
More details on the arrests for the murder of Glen Stewart.
Lay the smack down, Baltimore: The Sun reports on "Bupe" in depth.
... and the wine glass too. Lawyer Bruce Robinson doesn't buy that there are no DUI quotas. (BTW, did you know that field sobriety tests are optional?)
"The Court of Appeals clarified the process for terminating parental rights ... The high court held that because a presumption exists that it is in a child’s best interest to remain with a parent, courts must expressly find that a parent is unfit or that other exceptional circumstances exist before parental rights can be terminated."
The bus-beating story has gone national, hitting MSNBC as well as far-flung CBS affiliates.
Remember this guy? HoCo's Jack Schroeder will spend a month in jail for feeding his neighbor's yappy dog chicken bones and antifreeze.
Fun fact: only 25% of BCrime readers think Schroeder was in the wrong.
In better news, "Operation Safe Holiday" has led to the nabbing of 141 criminals.
More details on the arrests for the murder of Glen Stewart.
Lay the smack down, Baltimore: The Sun reports on "Bupe" in depth.
... and the wine glass too. Lawyer Bruce Robinson doesn't buy that there are no DUI quotas. (BTW, did you know that field sobriety tests are optional?)
"The Court of Appeals clarified the process for terminating parental rights ... The high court held that because a presumption exists that it is in a child’s best interest to remain with a parent, courts must expressly find that a parent is unfit or that other exceptional circumstances exist before parental rights can be terminated."
The bus-beating story has gone national, hitting MSNBC as well as far-flung CBS affiliates.
Remember this guy? HoCo's Jack Schroeder will spend a month in jail for feeding his neighbor's yappy dog chicken bones and antifreeze.
Fun fact: only 25% of BCrime readers think Schroeder was in the wrong.
Monday, December 17, 2007
December 17
Two murders this weekend: Friday, Richard Lawson, 24, was found shot to death at his home in the 2900 block of Chelsea Terrace. On Saturday, Jamal Rowlett, 20, was shot after leaving Club Choices on Charles Street. In March 2006, pregnant Ashley Harris was shot to death outside of the same club.
Arrests in the death of 17-year-old Glen Michael Stewart, who was shot and his body burned in a county park. Police identified the men charged as Joseph William Payne, 24, arrested Friday; Jason Michael Bond, 23, arrested Saturday; and Desmond Hideji Willis Jones, 19, also arrested Saturday.
Five years for rim-thief shooter Charles Brockington.
An armed robbery this morning at the Stop Shop & Save in the 2700 block of W. Cold Spring Lane.
Messenger crime log: A home invasion in the 2700 block of Calvert street, a robber using a brick as a weapon, gifts stolen and a hamburgling in Park Heights.
Blotter: "A man, 55, was walking in the 700 block of Cumberland St. about 3 a.m. Thursday when a gunman forced him into an alley and robbed him of $100, a silver watch and a cell phone. Before the gunman escaped into a car driven by a second man, he ordered the victim to disrobe." ... and plenty more burglary and robbery. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Bmore living handy tip: don't leave the house or answer the door until after Christmas.
Arrests in the death of 17-year-old Glen Michael Stewart, who was shot and his body burned in a county park. Police identified the men charged as Joseph William Payne, 24, arrested Friday; Jason Michael Bond, 23, arrested Saturday; and Desmond Hideji Willis Jones, 19, also arrested Saturday.
Five years for rim-thief shooter Charles Brockington.
An armed robbery this morning at the Stop Shop & Save in the 2700 block of W. Cold Spring Lane.
Messenger crime log: A home invasion in the 2700 block of Calvert street, a robber using a brick as a weapon, gifts stolen and a hamburgling in Park Heights.
Blotter: "A man, 55, was walking in the 700 block of Cumberland St. about 3 a.m. Thursday when a gunman forced him into an alley and robbed him of $100, a silver watch and a cell phone. Before the gunman escaped into a car driven by a second man, he ordered the victim to disrobe." ... and plenty more burglary and robbery. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Bmore living handy tip: don't leave the house or answer the door until after Christmas.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
This is Why I'm Shot
The stepfather of Coby Brown, shot by police after he robbed a Burger King in Fells Point and pointed a gun at an officer, apologized to police and citizens for raising a thief who put an officer's life at risk. Syke.
In the county, police shot a man who pepper sprayed an officer and brandished a machete.
In the county, police shot a man who pepper sprayed an officer and brandished a machete.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
If you are easily annoyed...
...don't read today's post!
Stats: only 16 percent of murder cases ever go to a jury, and in 2006, 27.8 percent of cases ended in the state declining to prosecute or an acquittal.
Wonder how that compares to other jurisdictions?
In what may well be the worst-written and most annoying op-ed piece of the year-- Olesker columns included-- the Sun's "Back of the Bus" compares rowdy students to victims of Jim-Crow segregation laws.
Mayor Dixon uses her crystal ball to probe the #64-bus attackers' souls, and reassures citizens that the beating was not racially motivated, in spite of the victims' reports that the attack was unprovoked, they weren't robbed, and "the whole time of the beating, it was white this and white that."
Meanwhile, five days after the attack the Sun's finally gotten around to covering the incident with 220 words and a nonexistent address. There are two new pictures though, a sixth guy and a second shot of the fifth guy:
Some Southside/ New Era students feel that police used excessive force to quell Thursday's riot.
County police: "There’s no indication there’s organized gang activity in Towson." (The "county's crown jewel"?)
Gregory Kane on the Randallstown shooting verdict.
"The bandits struck three times in Carroll County ... 'It surprised me they'd do it around here in Carroll County---bust into a store,' said customer Robert Triplett, 'It don't make no sense.' But Maryland State Police say it made plenty of dollars and 'cents' for a trio of men who share the same last name from the same family."
Stats: only 16 percent of murder cases ever go to a jury, and in 2006, 27.8 percent of cases ended in the state declining to prosecute or an acquittal.
Wonder how that compares to other jurisdictions?
In what may well be the worst-written and most annoying op-ed piece of the year-- Olesker columns included-- the Sun's "Back of the Bus" compares rowdy students to victims of Jim-Crow segregation laws.
Mayor Dixon uses her crystal ball to probe the #64-bus attackers' souls, and reassures citizens that the beating was not racially motivated, in spite of the victims' reports that the attack was unprovoked, they weren't robbed, and "the whole time of the beating, it was white this and white that."
Meanwhile, five days after the attack the Sun's finally gotten around to covering the incident with 220 words and a nonexistent address. There are two new pictures though, a sixth guy and a second shot of the fifth guy:
Some Southside/ New Era students feel that police used excessive force to quell Thursday's riot.
County police: "There’s no indication there’s organized gang activity in Towson." (The "county's crown jewel"?)
Gregory Kane on the Randallstown shooting verdict.
"The bandits struck three times in Carroll County ... 'It surprised me they'd do it around here in Carroll County---bust into a store,' said customer Robert Triplett, 'It don't make no sense.' But Maryland State Police say it made plenty of dollars and 'cents' for a trio of men who share the same last name from the same family."
Friday, December 14, 2007
December 14
A man was shot in the back last night in the 500 block of North Bouldin Street, condition unknown.
A city jury yesterday convicted Raymond Handy of first-degree murder in the drug-related killing of Mark C. Jones in May 2005.
Concerned that rogue bail bondsmen are making a “mockery” of the bail bond system, Mrs. Jessamy is asking the state for new laws to regulate the industry.
CJCC: Let's free the junkies
Lawsuit: Aurora Organic Dairy = a sham
A city jury yesterday convicted Raymond Handy of first-degree murder in the drug-related killing of Mark C. Jones in May 2005.
Concerned that rogue bail bondsmen are making a “mockery” of the bail bond system, Mrs. Jessamy is asking the state for new laws to regulate the industry.
CJCC: Let's free the junkies
Lawsuit: Aurora Organic Dairy = a sham
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Pics of Bus Beating Suspects; Sweet 16 Guilty Verdict
The MTA has released photos of five #64 bus-attackers-- four long days after the assault. If you see any of them, call the MTA police at 410-454-7720 so that they may respond with sluggish apathy. On second thought, call WBAL first.
Jamal Charles, 17, and Dwayne Drake, 18, were both found guilty of second-degree murder in the "Sweet 16" killing of Bryant C. Jones.
Soon after the CP revealed abuse and neglect allegations lurking in the past of the new director of Maryland's juvenile detention facilities, Chris "the Colonel" Perkins has resigned from the position.
Police arrested Kweisi Battle, 24, Maurice Barfield, 28, and 15-year-old Kevin Reverley for three unrelated shootings in the city.
Seven students were arrested for brawling on a football field after someone called in a fake bomb scare.
December 13
WTF?! Another bus attack?! WBAL reports that Patrick Green and Robert Rothe were assaulted by a group of seven teenagers hurling racial slurs on the #64 Monday night, and the driver refused to call the police for help!
Here's pictures.
A woman was shot at about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 2800 block of Boarman Avenue, her condition is unknown.
Wednesday before last, the body of 40-year-old Tracy Watford was found in the harbor near the Hanover St. bridge. It is not known "where, when and under what circumstances" Watford got there.
Though Davon Pearson's fiancé and mother testified that he had been at a neighborhood candlelight vigil protesting violence among young men, on Monday a jury convicted him of second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. Details:
On Tuesday a man was shot in the 400 block of Mt. Holly St., he's in critical condition. Also an arrest in the murder of 16-year-old Estefany Gonzalez.
Plus robberies, stolen license plates, copper wiring, video games, tools and so on in the Blotter.
The final witness in the Sweet 16 murder of Bryant C. Jones testified that she saw co-defendant Jamal Charles extend his arm from his body during a confrontation with Jones, then saw flashes of light.
"Nearly 18 months after the death of [corrections officer David] McGuinn -- and almost a year after the prison was closed -- questions have emerged about the mishandling of potentially key evidence and the impact it could have on the prosecution of the two inmates accused in his killing."
Suspected Blood Gary Watson was sentenced to two months in prison and anger-management classes for his role in the 2006 Fourth of July riot at the Inner Harbor; "Stop Fucking Snitching!" cameraman Akiba Matthews was indicted on drug charges yesterday.
The handgun registry explained: it's a way to catch VOPs.
Former city firefighter Angelo Sudano, age 32, was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release for distributing child pornography.
County perversity dept: Westminster's Deborah Gail Frock will face federal charges for pimping her 17-year-old cousin; a MoCo deacon has been charged with 10 counts of incest.
The senate is quite cross with Baltimore's highest-paid drug addicts, Miguel Tejada and Jay Gibbons.
Here's pictures.
A woman was shot at about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 2800 block of Boarman Avenue, her condition is unknown.
Wednesday before last, the body of 40-year-old Tracy Watford was found in the harbor near the Hanover St. bridge. It is not known "where, when and under what circumstances" Watford got there.
Though Davon Pearson's fiancé and mother testified that he had been at a neighborhood candlelight vigil protesting violence among young men, on Monday a jury convicted him of second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. Details:
Late in the evening on August 2, 2006 Pearson met up with an associate only identified as “Bobby” in the area of the 400 block of East Lynn Avenue. Witnesses testified that “Bobby” asked Pearson to “take care of a problem for him” in exchange for an ounce of cocaine. Just past midnight, “Bobby” provided Pearson with a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Pearson then followed the Victim, Howard Jones, onto the 2600 block and shot him in the back of the head. Mr. Jones died on the street. Multiple eye-witnesses identified him as Mr. Jones’ killer.Judge Kaye Allison scheduled sentencing for February 4, 2008 and Pearson faces a maximum possible prison term of life for the conspiracy to commit murder, 30 years for the second degree murder and 20 years for the handgun count.
On Tuesday a man was shot in the 400 block of Mt. Holly St., he's in critical condition. Also an arrest in the murder of 16-year-old Estefany Gonzalez.
Plus robberies, stolen license plates, copper wiring, video games, tools and so on in the Blotter.
The final witness in the Sweet 16 murder of Bryant C. Jones testified that she saw co-defendant Jamal Charles extend his arm from his body during a confrontation with Jones, then saw flashes of light.
"Nearly 18 months after the death of [corrections officer David] McGuinn -- and almost a year after the prison was closed -- questions have emerged about the mishandling of potentially key evidence and the impact it could have on the prosecution of the two inmates accused in his killing."
Suspected Blood Gary Watson was sentenced to two months in prison and anger-management classes for his role in the 2006 Fourth of July riot at the Inner Harbor; "Stop Fucking Snitching!" cameraman Akiba Matthews was indicted on drug charges yesterday.
The handgun registry explained: it's a way to catch VOPs.
Former city firefighter Angelo Sudano, age 32, was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release for distributing child pornography.
County perversity dept: Westminster's Deborah Gail Frock will face federal charges for pimping her 17-year-old cousin; a MoCo deacon has been charged with 10 counts of incest.
The senate is quite cross with Baltimore's highest-paid drug addicts, Miguel Tejada and Jay Gibbons.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
December 12
"The wife of a Southwest Baltimore man killed last year during their daughter's Sweet 16 party testified yesterday to hearing one of the co-defendants yell, "Show him how we do it," before gunshots rang out, according to trial testimony yesterday."
Harsh in the county! One of the teens charged in the Randallstown school shooting, Mathew McCullough, was sentenced to 100 years.
Police yesterday identified the man shot Monday night in the 6100 block of Boston St. in O'Donnell Heights and who died that night at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center as Artavius Tubman, 24 ... A man, 28, was standing outside a carryout in the 300 block of E. North Ave. about 3 a.m. Sunday when an unknown male shot him several times. Plus robbery, arson, and burglary in your Blotter.
CP: "The Colonel," the recently appointed head of Maryland's Victor Cullen Academy for youth offenders, has a dodgy past.
Thar she blows! "Baltimore City drug dealers are having a harder time finding cocaine to sell, because the U.S. Coast Guard this year seized more than $4.7 billion worth" of booger sugar.
Gregory Kane on the Sowers verdict.
Op Ed: In defense of the prosecutors, 40 years is much more time than what most murderers get in the city, and the state had only circumstantial evidence and the testimony of a teenager trying to save himself from jail to go on (the other two guys were in the car and didn't see the beating). Anna Sowers may have been okay with risking an acquittal to make a point, but prosecutors also have a duty to everyone else who has to live here. Why the defense attorney would accept the deal with sparse evidence we don't know-- it's possible Ramos himself didn't want to risk a trial, especially considering that WBAL reported that "[Judge] Themelis and Ramos' defense attorney [Larry Rosenberg] both agreed that Ramos was a 'bad guy,' citing his criminal history."
ps. how did Doc Cheatham managed to insert himself in this story?
A Baltimore City jury convicted Bobby Hough, 23, of the 2500 block of Ridgely Street of attempted first-degree murder and carrying a deadly weapon with the intent to injure today. Jurors heard one day of testimony and deliberated approximately three hours before reaching their verdict. Judge M. Brooke Murdock scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2008 where Hough faces a maximum prison term of life. Details:
Harsh in the county! One of the teens charged in the Randallstown school shooting, Mathew McCullough, was sentenced to 100 years.
Police yesterday identified the man shot Monday night in the 6100 block of Boston St. in O'Donnell Heights and who died that night at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center as Artavius Tubman, 24 ... A man, 28, was standing outside a carryout in the 300 block of E. North Ave. about 3 a.m. Sunday when an unknown male shot him several times. Plus robbery, arson, and burglary in your Blotter.
CP: "The Colonel," the recently appointed head of Maryland's Victor Cullen Academy for youth offenders, has a dodgy past.
Thar she blows! "Baltimore City drug dealers are having a harder time finding cocaine to sell, because the U.S. Coast Guard this year seized more than $4.7 billion worth" of booger sugar.
Gregory Kane on the Sowers verdict.
Op Ed: In defense of the prosecutors, 40 years is much more time than what most murderers get in the city, and the state had only circumstantial evidence and the testimony of a teenager trying to save himself from jail to go on (the other two guys were in the car and didn't see the beating). Anna Sowers may have been okay with risking an acquittal to make a point, but prosecutors also have a duty to everyone else who has to live here. Why the defense attorney would accept the deal with sparse evidence we don't know-- it's possible Ramos himself didn't want to risk a trial, especially considering that WBAL reported that "[Judge] Themelis and Ramos' defense attorney [Larry Rosenberg] both agreed that Ramos was a 'bad guy,' citing his criminal history."
ps. how did Doc Cheatham managed to insert himself in this story?
A Baltimore City jury convicted Bobby Hough, 23, of the 2500 block of Ridgely Street of attempted first-degree murder and carrying a deadly weapon with the intent to injure today. Jurors heard one day of testimony and deliberated approximately three hours before reaching their verdict. Judge M. Brooke Murdock scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2008 where Hough faces a maximum prison term of life. Details:
On May 1, 2006 Hough was in the 2000 block of Ellsworth Street when he picked up the victim, Rodney Armstead, 42, turned him upside down and rammed his head into the pavement. He then stomped on Armstead before picking up a bottle and hitting him with it, rendering Armstead a quadriplegic. They had been arguing over the sale of illegal narcotics on the block prior to the incident. Assistant State’s Attorneys Staci Pipkin and Michelle Martin of the General Trial Division prosecuted this case.
No Murders!
The Ink confirms it!
Before last night's shooting, Baltimore went nine days without a murder!
That may well be the longest stretch in decades.
Somebody's doing something right!
Who/what do you think it is?
Before last night's shooting, Baltimore went nine days without a murder!
That may well be the longest stretch in decades.
Somebody's doing something right!
Who/what do you think it is?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
From the SA's Office: Murderer Nabbed on VOP
Bruce L. Smith, 28, of Southwest Baltimore, was sentenced to 28years in prison after Judge Sylvester Cox found him guilty of violating his probation at a hearing held in Baltimore Circuit Court on December 7, 2007.
In December 2005, Smith pleaded guilty before the Honorable Sylvester Cox to second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder in connection to two separate shooting incidents which occurred in the West Baltimore and Hilton Streets area of Southwest Baltimore in December 2004.
The State was left with little choice but to offer a plea to the defendant after the State’s primary identification witnesses recanted their identification of the defendant that they had previously made to the police. In each case, Mr. Smith was sentenced to 30 years with all but time served and the remaining time, about 28-years, was suspended. He was also placed on 4-years of probation. The two sentences were to be served concurrent to one another.
As part of his conditions of probation, Mr. Smith was required to obey all laws and prohibited from possessing any handguns or illegal narcotics.
Fourteen months later, on the afternoon of April 9, 2007, police working in the Southwest District observed Bruce Smith slowly drive his fiancé’s car onto Ellamont Street – just three of blocks from where he was convicted of murdering Lenny Curtis.
There were two other men in the car with Mr. Smith. From their location, the officers watched as a man nodded his head at the car. Mr. Smith stopped the car in the middle of the street in order to talk to the man who, after speaking with Mr. Smith, went around to the passenger side of the car and exchanged a large sum of cash wrapped in a rubber band for suspected illegal narcotics. Mr. Smith then drove his car away.
When the under cover officers caught up with Mr. Smith a few blocks later, they observed three men moving about the cabin of the car and around the center console where they observed a wad of cash - $1600 in all – sitting on the lap of the rear passenger. Police placed all three men under arrest and a search of the men and the center console of the car revealed 17 grams of cocaine in rock and powder form, 5 grams of heroin, 8 grams of a cutting agent called mannitol, a digital scale with cocaine residue on it, and a loaded .38 caliber handgun.
Both the Office of the State’s Attorney and the Office of Parole and Probation requested Judge Sylvester Cox issue a Violation of Probation warrant shortly after on the events of April 9, 2007.
Because the defendant faced a maximum sentence of 28 years, 8 months for a violation of his probation to Judge Cox, the State elected to proceed with the violation of probation hearing first and try that case directly to Judge Cox instead of proceeding with a jury trial on the felony narcotics and handgun charges.
On December 7, 2007, the Defendant was brought before Judge Cox to answer for the charges of violating his probation. At that time, Mr. Smith elected to enter into a plea agreement with the State. He admitted guilt to possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and to the illegal possession of a handgun. In addition he also admitted to violating the terms of his probation.
In delivering his sentence on these cases, Judge Cox recalled his admonishment to the defendant during the sentencing hearing on the murder and attempted murder cases and that he would sentence the defendant to all 28-years for a violation, even a technical one. Judge Cox went on to say that this was more than just a technical violation and then proceeded to sentence the defendant to 28-years to the Department of Correction for violating the terms of his probation and to 20-years to the Department of Correction for the possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 5-years without parole for illegally possessing the handgun. All of the sentences will be served concurrently.
Assistant State’s Attorney E. Wesley Adams prosecuted the case.
In December 2005, Smith pleaded guilty before the Honorable Sylvester Cox to second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder in connection to two separate shooting incidents which occurred in the West Baltimore and Hilton Streets area of Southwest Baltimore in December 2004.
The State was left with little choice but to offer a plea to the defendant after the State’s primary identification witnesses recanted their identification of the defendant that they had previously made to the police. In each case, Mr. Smith was sentenced to 30 years with all but time served and the remaining time, about 28-years, was suspended. He was also placed on 4-years of probation. The two sentences were to be served concurrent to one another.
As part of his conditions of probation, Mr. Smith was required to obey all laws and prohibited from possessing any handguns or illegal narcotics.
Fourteen months later, on the afternoon of April 9, 2007, police working in the Southwest District observed Bruce Smith slowly drive his fiancé’s car onto Ellamont Street – just three of blocks from where he was convicted of murdering Lenny Curtis.
There were two other men in the car with Mr. Smith. From their location, the officers watched as a man nodded his head at the car. Mr. Smith stopped the car in the middle of the street in order to talk to the man who, after speaking with Mr. Smith, went around to the passenger side of the car and exchanged a large sum of cash wrapped in a rubber band for suspected illegal narcotics. Mr. Smith then drove his car away.
When the under cover officers caught up with Mr. Smith a few blocks later, they observed three men moving about the cabin of the car and around the center console where they observed a wad of cash - $1600 in all – sitting on the lap of the rear passenger. Police placed all three men under arrest and a search of the men and the center console of the car revealed 17 grams of cocaine in rock and powder form, 5 grams of heroin, 8 grams of a cutting agent called mannitol, a digital scale with cocaine residue on it, and a loaded .38 caliber handgun.
Both the Office of the State’s Attorney and the Office of Parole and Probation requested Judge Sylvester Cox issue a Violation of Probation warrant shortly after on the events of April 9, 2007.
Because the defendant faced a maximum sentence of 28 years, 8 months for a violation of his probation to Judge Cox, the State elected to proceed with the violation of probation hearing first and try that case directly to Judge Cox instead of proceeding with a jury trial on the felony narcotics and handgun charges.
On December 7, 2007, the Defendant was brought before Judge Cox to answer for the charges of violating his probation. At that time, Mr. Smith elected to enter into a plea agreement with the State. He admitted guilt to possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and to the illegal possession of a handgun. In addition he also admitted to violating the terms of his probation.
In delivering his sentence on these cases, Judge Cox recalled his admonishment to the defendant during the sentencing hearing on the murder and attempted murder cases and that he would sentence the defendant to all 28-years for a violation, even a technical one. Judge Cox went on to say that this was more than just a technical violation and then proceeded to sentence the defendant to 28-years to the Department of Correction for violating the terms of his probation and to 20-years to the Department of Correction for the possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 5-years without parole for illegally possessing the handgun. All of the sentences will be served concurrently.
Assistant State’s Attorney E. Wesley Adams prosecuted the case.
25 Years for Murderer of 15-Year-Old Travis Harris
In a hearing today before Judge Roger W. Brown, Mathaddues Rozier, 26, of the 400 block of North Kenwood Ave., pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Rozier admitted to killing Travis Harris, 15, in the 500 block of North Glover Street on December 27, 2005. Harris was shot once in the forehead at point blank range 10 minutes after the murder of Rozier’s father, Alvester Rozier, 79.
Prosecutors entered a nol pros in the murder case against Mathaddues Rozier charging him with the murder of his father, citing evidentiary issues that would prevent the case from proceeding to trial. Although the murders were linked by ballistics evidence from the crime scenes, the murder weapon was never found and there were no witnesses to the murder of Alvester Rozier, other than a small child that was in his care.
The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Rozier February 6, 2006 for two counts of first-degree murder.
Assistant State’s Attorney Robyne Szokoly prosecuted the case.
Prosecutors entered a nol pros in the murder case against Mathaddues Rozier charging him with the murder of his father, citing evidentiary issues that would prevent the case from proceeding to trial. Although the murders were linked by ballistics evidence from the crime scenes, the murder weapon was never found and there were no witnesses to the murder of Alvester Rozier, other than a small child that was in his care.
The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Rozier February 6, 2006 for two counts of first-degree murder.
Assistant State’s Attorney Robyne Szokoly prosecuted the case.
December 11
A man was shot to death last night on the 6100 block of Boston St.
Remember the "Sweet 16" murder? The trial is on now, and the most recent news is that prosecutors are having a hard time placing the gun in the suspect's hand-- in spite of a room full of partygoers.
The family of Glen Stewart, 17, whose burning body was found in a Baltimore County park, is appealing to the public for leads.
Davon Pearson was found guilty of second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence in the killing of Howard Jones, 36, August 3 of last year.
Joshua Kahn Leslie, 31, charged in a warrant with attempted murder in a shooting June 25 on a street in O'Donnell Heights, was arrested at a homeless shelter in Griffin, Ga., "A district police officer was on foot patrol near the Northwood Shopping Center about 9:25 a.m. yesterday when he was approached by three young males, one of whom had been shot in lower back."
Nearly three years after prosecutors dropped attempted-murder charges against Antonio R. Jackson, accused of bringing a gun to Randallstown High School used in the shootings that left one student paralyzed and three others injured, authorities have found Ronald P. Johnson Jr., the witness that prosecutors said they need to bring the suspect to trial. (And Johnson looks way to happy about it!)
Meanwhile, city middle- and high-school principals are being given the option to have metal detectors installed.
The "boys" who poured lye on a slide and injured a toddler were found 'delinquent.' (is biology to blame?)
An gimme someadem crullers! County police are looking for a suspect with a receding hairline, right, who robbed an Essex Dunkin Donuts-- twice
Remember the "Sweet 16" murder? The trial is on now, and the most recent news is that prosecutors are having a hard time placing the gun in the suspect's hand-- in spite of a room full of partygoers.
The family of Glen Stewart, 17, whose burning body was found in a Baltimore County park, is appealing to the public for leads.
Davon Pearson was found guilty of second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence in the killing of Howard Jones, 36, August 3 of last year.
Joshua Kahn Leslie, 31, charged in a warrant with attempted murder in a shooting June 25 on a street in O'Donnell Heights, was arrested at a homeless shelter in Griffin, Ga., "A district police officer was on foot patrol near the Northwood Shopping Center about 9:25 a.m. yesterday when he was approached by three young males, one of whom had been shot in lower back."
Nearly three years after prosecutors dropped attempted-murder charges against Antonio R. Jackson, accused of bringing a gun to Randallstown High School used in the shootings that left one student paralyzed and three others injured, authorities have found Ronald P. Johnson Jr., the witness that prosecutors said they need to bring the suspect to trial. (And Johnson looks way to happy about it!)
Meanwhile, city middle- and high-school principals are being given the option to have metal detectors installed.
The "boys" who poured lye on a slide and injured a toddler were found 'delinquent.' (is biology to blame?)
An gimme someadem crullers! County police are looking for a suspect with a receding hairline, right, who robbed an Essex Dunkin Donuts-- twice
Monday, December 10, 2007
Ramos Gets Plea Deal
Forty years for Trayvon Ramos, who pleaded guilty to beating Zach Sowers into a coma.
Says the SA's office:
WBAL reports that during a plea agreement bench conference, Judge John Themelis said, "How am I going to justify this to the victim's wife?" and Ramos' attorney replied, "Nothing you say to this lady is going to make a difference."
Says the SA's office:
Prosecutors reviewed the evidence in the case that included one fingerprint from Ramos on a car near the crime scene and testimony from a neighbor, who would have testified that, from his apartment window, could not positively identify, he observed a large person using a punching motion. Jeter and Price remained in a parked car around the block from the crime scene and Martin accompanied Ramos, but did not inflict any of the kicks and punches.Sowers' family members are "disgusted" and "in despair."
In accepting the plea today, Judge Themelis noted that there is a difference between a judge’s and jury’s interpretation of willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted first degree murder. The State proceeded with this plea taking into account the best interest of public safety and after reviewing the evidence and witness statements against the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt required in court.
WBAL reports that during a plea agreement bench conference, Judge John Themelis said, "How am I going to justify this to the victim's wife?" and Ramos' attorney replied, "Nothing you say to this lady is going to make a difference."
MTA: No Video of Beating
A 16-year-old boy was shot this morning in the 4200 block of Nicholas Avenue near Belair Road, he's in critical condition.
MTA source: There is no video of last week's bus beating.
Jury selection begins this morning for Trayvon Ramos, the fourth suspect charged in the near-fatal beating of Zach Sowers.
In the county, three people were stabbed at Lecompte's restaurant at 4015 Annapolis Road and one has died. Suspects are in custody.
"Proposal to Let Noncitizens Join Md. Police Under Review"
Gird your downspouts! Metal thievery is more than a local annoyance, it's an international trend as base-metal prices soar.
The Supreme Court has ruled that judges may impose shorter prison terms for crack cocaine crimes, enhancing judicial discretion.
The Blotter has your robberies and burglaries.
Ideas this town needs: community urinalysis, cold-case playing cards, bulletproof backpacks.
MTA source: There is no video of last week's bus beating.
Jury selection begins this morning for Trayvon Ramos, the fourth suspect charged in the near-fatal beating of Zach Sowers.
In the county, three people were stabbed at Lecompte's restaurant at 4015 Annapolis Road and one has died. Suspects are in custody.
"Proposal to Let Noncitizens Join Md. Police Under Review"
Gird your downspouts! Metal thievery is more than a local annoyance, it's an international trend as base-metal prices soar.
The Supreme Court has ruled that judges may impose shorter prison terms for crack cocaine crimes, enhancing judicial discretion.
The Blotter has your robberies and burglaries.
Ideas this town needs: community urinalysis, cold-case playing cards, bulletproof backpacks.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Khan: Save My Torture Tapes
Owings Mills High grad Majid Khan has asked for a court order barring the government from destroying evidence of his treatment whilst he was held in a secret CIA prison.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
December 8
A 15-year-old girl was shot on Rutland Avenue in East Baltimore last night.
According to Friday's plea deal, if Eric Price, Arthur Jeter and Wilburt Martin, three of Zach Sowers' admitted attackers, testify against the fourth assailant, Trayvon Ramos, or if Ramos accepts a plea agreement, their sentences will be eight years, and they will not be charged with murder should Sowers die as a result of the attack.
Arthur Jeter and Wilburt Martin also pleaded guilty yesterday to another robbery two days after the Sowers attack, and Price pleaded guilty to stealing a woman's purse a day after.
Another version of events in the bus attack: Britny (yes Britny) Carter, one of the students charged, says that the incident began when students made fun of Kreager's black eye.
QTD from Britny's mom: "Britny is not a racial person."
Meanwhile, the SA's office has not ruled out requesting that a judge charge the attackers as adults. Fox45 reports that the charges would have to be upgraded to attempted murder for that to happen. Kreager, who the Sun reports was homeless, is now in the city witness protection program.
Area Methodists paid homage to the city's homicide victims yesterday.
More on crazy Mary Gates, the Carroll County woman who tried to hire someone to kill her husband and stepson.
Alleged PsDJ: William Leslie Harrison, 62, of Bel Air, who is being held on a $1 million bond on charges of sexually abusing a 14-year-old who worked for him, "on as many as 200 occasions;" "Uncle Don" of Frederick; and William Edward Wray of Cresaptown, who got 50 years.
Who will replace Judge Joe Murphy as the chief of the Court of Special Appeals, the most bad-azz judge in MD? UB prof Byron Warnken reportedly predicts James R. Eyler.
According to Friday's plea deal, if Eric Price, Arthur Jeter and Wilburt Martin, three of Zach Sowers' admitted attackers, testify against the fourth assailant, Trayvon Ramos, or if Ramos accepts a plea agreement, their sentences will be eight years, and they will not be charged with murder should Sowers die as a result of the attack.
Arthur Jeter and Wilburt Martin also pleaded guilty yesterday to another robbery two days after the Sowers attack, and Price pleaded guilty to stealing a woman's purse a day after.
Another version of events in the bus attack: Britny (yes Britny) Carter, one of the students charged, says that the incident began when students made fun of Kreager's black eye.
QTD from Britny's mom: "Britny is not a racial person."
Meanwhile, the SA's office has not ruled out requesting that a judge charge the attackers as adults. Fox45 reports that the charges would have to be upgraded to attempted murder for that to happen. Kreager, who the Sun reports was homeless, is now in the city witness protection program.
Area Methodists paid homage to the city's homicide victims yesterday.
More on crazy Mary Gates, the Carroll County woman who tried to hire someone to kill her husband and stepson.
Alleged PsDJ: William Leslie Harrison, 62, of Bel Air, who is being held on a $1 million bond on charges of sexually abusing a 14-year-old who worked for him, "on as many as 200 occasions;" "Uncle Don" of Frederick; and William Edward Wray of Cresaptown, who got 50 years.
Who will replace Judge Joe Murphy as the chief of the Court of Special Appeals, the most bad-azz judge in MD? UB prof Byron Warnken reportedly predicts James R. Eyler.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Three Plead Guilty for Attack on Zach Sowers
At a hearing today and immediately before their trials were scheduled to begin, Wilburt Martin, 19, of the 3900 block of Claremont St., Arthur Jeter, 18, of the 3700 block of E. Pratt St. and Eric Price, 17, of the 3700 block of Claremont St. pleaded guilty to robbery deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery. The attempted-murder trial of Trayvon Ramos, 16, of the unit block of N. Decker St. is scheduled to begin 9:30 a.m. Monday, December 10, 2007 before Judge John C. Themelis.
Judge Themelis told the defendants they face a maximum prison term of 70 years in prison if they fail to complete the terms of their plea agreement, including testifying against Ramos. If they abide by the terms of the agreement they face a 30-year-suspend-all-but-15-year prison term.
Ramos is charged with attempted first-degree murder, robbery and various other counts for the alleged robbery and beating of Zach Sowers on June 2, 2007. According to reports, Price and Ramos carried out the beating while Jeter and Martin waited in the car.
Assistant State’s Attorneys Jennifer Sites and Angela Worthy will prosecute this case.
Judge Themelis told the defendants they face a maximum prison term of 70 years in prison if they fail to complete the terms of their plea agreement, including testifying against Ramos. If they abide by the terms of the agreement they face a 30-year-suspend-all-but-15-year prison term.
Ramos is charged with attempted first-degree murder, robbery and various other counts for the alleged robbery and beating of Zach Sowers on June 2, 2007. According to reports, Price and Ramos carried out the beating while Jeter and Martin waited in the car.
Assistant State’s Attorneys Jennifer Sites and Angela Worthy will prosecute this case.
Life + 3 for Murder of 16-Year-Old Ronny Martin
At a hearing today, Judge John C. Themelis sentenced Anthony Dickson, 21, of the 2700 block of Yarnell Road to life in prison plus three years for first-degree murder and a handgun count. A Baltimore City jury convicted Dickson October 12, 2007. Details from the SA's office:
On January 1, 2006 at approximately 9:30 p.m. police respond[ed] to the 2600 block of Marbourne Avenue for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival police [found] the body of Ronny Martin, 16, in the rear seat of a parked car. Police recover[ed] shotgun casings at the crime scene and the Office of the Medical Examiner later rules the cause of death as a shotgun wound to the head. A witness identifie[d] Dickson as the shooter and further investigation lead police to execute a search and seizure warrant the next day at an address on Edmonson Avenue where they recover[ed] a shotgun.
A co-defendant in this case, Michael McFadden, was convicted by a city jury August 2, 2007 of second degree murder and concealing a deadly weapon and was sentenced to 33 years in prison.
Assistant State’s Attorney Cynthia Banks of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.
13 Years for Murder of Shaheed Boyd
At a hearing yesterday, Paul Barton, 26, of the 3200 block of Normount Ave. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. Judge Pamela White sentenced Barton to 30 years in prison, with all but 13 years suspended for the murder count, and a concurrent 20 years in prison, all but 13 years suspended, for the handgun count. The first five years are to be served without the possibility of parole. Details:
On April 29, 2006, Shaheed Boyd, of the 3100 block of Westmont Court, was shot one time and died as a result of his injuries. Witnesses were located who indicated that Paul Barton approached the victim and without provocation, shot the victim and then fled in the victim’s rental car. Assistant State’s Attorney Diana Smith of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.
Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day
Jury selection is set to begin at 2 p.m. this afternoon in 236 Mitchell Courthouse West for Eric Price, Trayvon Ramos, Arthur Jeter and Wilburt Martin, the suspects who allegedly beat Zach Sowers into a coma.
In an unusual move, the Feds will seek the death penalty against Harry Burton, 28, of the Latrobe gang of East Baltimore. Burton is charged in the murder of Maurice "Smokey" Ireland, the attempted murder of Gary Creek on January 27, 2003 the murder of Michael "Mike-Mike" Jones on May 19, 2003 and in the death Valencia Jones on June 20, 2003.
Broadwater summarizes November's 17 homicides, and notes that four of the killers would have been in jail but for suspended sentences or “good time” credits in prison.
Bus-attack victim Sarah Kreager was interviewed by Fox's Karen Parks. (Unfortunately the audio is cut off in the last few seconds)
Transit police support Kreager's claim that the attack was unprovoked, and police say that at the time the incident reports were taken, no witness reported any spitting or knife being pulled. The MTA spokesman says that there's surveillance video of the rolling hellhole, and that they are investigating "the incident" as a racially motivated hate crime.
In other teenager news, a 41-year-old woman was pelted with snowballs and robbed near Hopkins Hospital, and six more violent street robberies in the Blotter.
QTD: "Crime is like gymnastics. It really is a young person’s sport. If you incapacitate a 15- or 16-year-old for a year, you can prevent more crime than if you imprison a 22-year-old for life." -- FL State Attorney Harry Shorstein
In the county, Lisa A. Dieter was granted conditional release yesterday from a psychiatric hospital. In 2002 she told her daughter, nine-year-old Alana Anne Dieter, to take off her seatbelt, then crashed their car into a tree. The daughter died, Dieter pleaded guilty but was found not criminally responsible because of mental illness.
In an unusual move, the Feds will seek the death penalty against Harry Burton, 28, of the Latrobe gang of East Baltimore. Burton is charged in the murder of Maurice "Smokey" Ireland, the attempted murder of Gary Creek on January 27, 2003 the murder of Michael "Mike-Mike" Jones on May 19, 2003 and in the death Valencia Jones on June 20, 2003.
Broadwater summarizes November's 17 homicides, and notes that four of the killers would have been in jail but for suspended sentences or “good time” credits in prison.
Bus-attack victim Sarah Kreager was interviewed by Fox's Karen Parks. (Unfortunately the audio is cut off in the last few seconds)
Transit police support Kreager's claim that the attack was unprovoked, and police say that at the time the incident reports were taken, no witness reported any spitting or knife being pulled. The MTA spokesman says that there's surveillance video of the rolling hellhole, and that they are investigating "the incident" as a racially motivated hate crime.
In other teenager news, a 41-year-old woman was pelted with snowballs and robbed near Hopkins Hospital, and six more violent street robberies in the Blotter.
QTD: "Crime is like gymnastics. It really is a young person’s sport. If you incapacitate a 15- or 16-year-old for a year, you can prevent more crime than if you imprison a 22-year-old for life." -- FL State Attorney Harry Shorstein
In the county, Lisa A. Dieter was granted conditional release yesterday from a psychiatric hospital. In 2002 she told her daughter, nine-year-old Alana Anne Dieter, to take off her seatbelt, then crashed their car into a tree. The daughter died, Dieter pleaded guilty but was found not criminally responsible because of mental illness.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Five- and 25-Year Sentences in Robbery/Murder
At a hearing today just before their scheduled murder trials were scheduled to begin, Kendrick McCain, 16, of the 700 block of McCabe Avenue and Lataye Shyreise King, 17, of the 1900 block of E. 31st Street both pled guilty for their involvement in the murder of Nicole Edmonds, 17. King pled guilty to first-degree murder, and Judge Martin P. Welch sentenced her to life in prison suspending all but 25 years. McCain pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and second-degree assault, and, under terms of the plea agreement announced in open court, will be sentenced to 15 years in prison, with all but a cap of five years suspended. Judge Welch scheduled McCain’s sentencing for February 4, 2008. Details:
On November 7, 2006 McCain and King approached Nicole Edmonds and her brother as they exited the MTA Light Rail Train at the W. North Avenue station. Nicole’s brother was thrown to the ground and a jacket was pulled over his head and that as Nicole ran away, she was chased, caught and fatally stabbed by King. Assistant State’s Attorney Paul O’Connor prosecuted the case.
Statement from Mayor Sheila Dixon about Attack on City Bus
“As we get more information from the Baltimore City Public School System and the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) about Tuesday’s incident on the Number 27 bus, I am extremely concerned. This incident was deplorable. I will not tolerate intimidation or violence anywhere in our city.
I am committed to working with our neighboring jurisdictions and the State Department of Juvenile Services to decrease the incidents of juvenile crime and violence. Reducing juvenile crime is essential to improved public safety in Baltimore City.
I have offered the MTA whatever assistance they need to investigate this incident, and to do our part to ensure the public transportation system is safe for everyone.”
- Mayor Sheila Dixon
# # #
December 6
Three men were stabbed on the Morgan State campus this morning.
"Baltimore will no longer ask certain potential employees whether they have been convicted of a crime, under a policy change approved yesterday intended to prevent discrimination against former convicts."
Bus beating update:
The perps were released yesterday and are now back on the street. Super.
The mother of one of the suspects says the victim, shown left, provoked the attack by spitting in the face of one of the girls.
Reports are still conflicting as to where the attack took place, with the Sun reporting E 33rd in Waverly and the Examiner and other sources reporting W 33rd in Hampden.
The E also reports the race of the suspects.
And, for what it's worth, as "Marc" points out, the victim is "no stranger to the legal system," with a rap sheet that includes arrests for forging prescriptions, domestic violence and assault.
Mayor Dixon says the NAACP's Doc Cheatham is "heroic" for privately apologizing to 14 firefighters about the whole fake-noose business.
(So far no comment on the bus driver who intervened and possibly saved the life of the victim above.)
The BK robbery suspect shot by police has died.
Blotter: burglary, robbery, theft, burglary, robbery, theft.
The Bloods and Crips are hot in the 'burbs.
"Baltimore will no longer ask certain potential employees whether they have been convicted of a crime, under a policy change approved yesterday intended to prevent discrimination against former convicts."
Bus beating update: The perps were released yesterday and are now back on the street. Super.
The mother of one of the suspects says the victim, shown left, provoked the attack by spitting in the face of one of the girls.
Reports are still conflicting as to where the attack took place, with the Sun reporting E 33rd in Waverly and the Examiner and other sources reporting W 33rd in Hampden.
The E also reports the race of the suspects.
And, for what it's worth, as "Marc" points out, the victim is "no stranger to the legal system," with a rap sheet that includes arrests for forging prescriptions, domestic violence and assault.
Mayor Dixon says the NAACP's Doc Cheatham is "heroic" for privately apologizing to 14 firefighters about the whole fake-noose business.
(So far no comment on the bus driver who intervened and possibly saved the life of the victim above.)
The BK robbery suspect shot by police has died.
Blotter: burglary, robbery, theft, burglary, robbery, theft.
The Bloods and Crips are hot in the 'burbs.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Teenagers Attack Woman on Bus
WtFingF? Nine evil 14 and 15-year-olds from Robert Poole Middle School "attacked and seriously injured [26-year-old Sarah Kreager] after they tried to prevent her from finding a seat on the bus." After beating her on the bus, they dragged her off the bus at 33rd street* and beat her some more.
The perps were all arrested and charged as juveniles, and "It was not immediately clear today if the suspects remained in custody at the juvenile detention center or if they had been released to their parents."
*Fox reports they dragged her off at W. 33rd and Chestnut Streets in Hampden
An 18-year-old and a 15-year-old boy were each stabbed about 9:30 p.m. Monday during "an incident" in the 1300 block of Myrtle Ave.
The Ink reports on murder victims from November 26 to December 2: Michael Crowder, Quentin Reddick-Flowers, Tywonde Jones, Eugenio Harrison, and Lonnie Foote, a man beaten by a tree branch October 27.
An officer shot a man suspected of robbing the Burger King on Eastern Avenue.
The Sun details how Baltimore city, with the help of AAC and the county, managed to lose crazed Metro-stop rapist Eugene Waller.
Counties
In Carroll Co, one Mary Gates was arrested for trying to hire a state trooper to kill her husband
In HarfCo officers are looking for a suspect who fired a shot in a gas station.
In MoCo, Ruth Sendejas, 18, was arrested for killing her two-year-old son Giovanni. She told police they'd been the victims of a home invasion.
The county driving instructor featured in 'Borat' is suing Twentieth Century Fox and Sacha Baron Cohen.
The perps were all arrested and charged as juveniles, and "It was not immediately clear today if the suspects remained in custody at the juvenile detention center or if they had been released to their parents."
*Fox reports they dragged her off at W. 33rd and Chestnut Streets in Hampden
An 18-year-old and a 15-year-old boy were each stabbed about 9:30 p.m. Monday during "an incident" in the 1300 block of Myrtle Ave.
The Ink reports on murder victims from November 26 to December 2: Michael Crowder, Quentin Reddick-Flowers, Tywonde Jones, Eugenio Harrison, and Lonnie Foote, a man beaten by a tree branch October 27.
An officer shot a man suspected of robbing the Burger King on Eastern Avenue.
The Sun details how Baltimore city, with the help of AAC and the county, managed to lose crazed Metro-stop rapist Eugene Waller.
Counties
In Carroll Co, one Mary Gates was arrested for trying to hire a state trooper to kill her husband
In HarfCo officers are looking for a suspect who fired a shot in a gas station.
In MoCo, Ruth Sendejas, 18, was arrested for killing her two-year-old son Giovanni. She told police they'd been the victims of a home invasion.
The county driving instructor featured in 'Borat' is suing Twentieth Century Fox and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
December 4
Johnathan R. Cornish, 16, will stand trial in the county as an adult, accused of being the triggerman in the killing of witness Carl Stanley Lackl Jr.. Defense attorney Warren Brown says the case is going federal.
Donald Maynard, the firefighter who "discovered" a "noose," was dismissed for not completing his EMT training. He will not face criminal charges.
Charles Carroll was acquitted but he's still in jail on charges of violating his probation, and his family is furious.
Update: The violation of probation hearing of Charles Carroll, scheduled for today, was postponed at the request of the State until January 16, 2008.
A seventh suspect in the "Edgewood melee" has turned himself in.
Walter Jones of Essex, a former assistant manager at Bank of America, has been arrested and charged with money laundering in a tax scam that may have cheated the government out of more than $44 million.
What the?! Art Bracke, 61, allegedly tried to burn down his New Jersey home with his son inside, got drunk, drove to Harford County with two unregistered handguns, was involved in a head-on collision and was arrested. In Nj he's being charged with arson and first-degree attempted murder.
Alleged PDJ: David Millea Shanklin, right, of the 6500-block of Golden Ring Road in White Marsh, has been charged with the sexual abuse of two foster children in his care between January 1995 and August 2007. County police are asking any other victims to contact the Baltimore County Police Department’s Family Crimes Unit at 410-853-3650.
Donald Maynard, the firefighter who "discovered" a "noose," was dismissed for not completing his EMT training. He will not face criminal charges.
Charles Carroll was acquitted but he's still in jail on charges of violating his probation, and his family is furious.
Update: The violation of probation hearing of Charles Carroll, scheduled for today, was postponed at the request of the State until January 16, 2008.
A seventh suspect in the "Edgewood melee" has turned himself in.
Walter Jones of Essex, a former assistant manager at Bank of America, has been arrested and charged with money laundering in a tax scam that may have cheated the government out of more than $44 million.
What the?! Art Bracke, 61, allegedly tried to burn down his New Jersey home with his son inside, got drunk, drove to Harford County with two unregistered handguns, was involved in a head-on collision and was arrested. In Nj he's being charged with arson and first-degree attempted murder.
Alleged PDJ: David Millea Shanklin, right, of the 6500-block of Golden Ring Road in White Marsh, has been charged with the sexual abuse of two foster children in his care between January 1995 and August 2007. County police are asking any other victims to contact the Baltimore County Police Department’s Family Crimes Unit at 410-853-3650.
Monday, December 3, 2007
December 3
Saturday night, two people were arrested after Baltimore police said they tried to run over officers.
Three shootings last Saturday: a 17-year-old boy walking in an alley in the Eastern, a 30-year-old man "walking in the 200 block of Dallas Court abut 2 p.m.," and a 20-year-old woman sitting in her living room.
Looking on the sunny side: "North Branch Correctional Institution inmates spend up to 23 hours a day in their cells, but activities such as basketball are available."
Three shootings last Saturday: a 17-year-old boy walking in an alley in the Eastern, a 30-year-old man "walking in the 200 block of Dallas Court abut 2 p.m.," and a 20-year-old woman sitting in her living room.
Looking on the sunny side: "North Branch Correctional Institution inmates spend up to 23 hours a day in their cells, but activities such as basketball are available."
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Weekend
A man was reportedly shot to death tonight at Windsor Mill Road and Forest Park Avenue near Kernan Hospital.
Quentin Reddicks-Flowers was beaten with a tree branch Tuesday and later died, police have arrested 17-year-old Jermaine Cornish.
Gor called it! Turns out that the "noose" "found" at the fire station was put there by the firefighter who "found" it, one Donald Maynard, who's black. But the NAACP's "Doc" Cheatham doesn't blame Maynard for his actions, because the poor guy is a victim! "... evidently things have reached a stage that even an African-American does an injustice to himself and his own people as a result of a negative culture in that department."
More on the killing of Ty'wonde M. Jones, 13. Wonder why his seemingly able-bodied and available parents couldn't care for him?
Probation violations can lead to jail time even after acquittal-- and these three prosecutors look positively gleeful about it
A 17-year-old boy was stabbed outside Landsdowne Shopping Center Friday in the county.
Dixon on the state investigation of city contracts: "I don't know what it is [or] why they're doing this witch hunt."
Dixon on the other fire department scandal: there's "strong evidence" that firefighters cheated on a promotional exam-- by looking at the test questions from 2001. (Isn't looking at past exam questions how you're supposed to study?)
On Friday the Court of Appeals began hearing the disciplinary case against tart-tongued County Circuit Judge Bruce Lamdin.
"A year and a half after Baltimore-based A&B Check Cashing collapsed, $17 million is still missing, one owner is dead and the other one isn't talking."
A a woman was assaulted and robbed on Taplow Rd. in Homeland; an 83-year-old woman bringing in her trash can was robbed in Essex; two robberies at gunpoint near the Hopkins Homewood campus, also a locksmith on Charles Street and woman on Woodbourne Ave robbed at gunpoint.
Did you know? The Johns Hopkins News-letter reports that "Councilwoman fraternities say neighborhood relations tense," but an ordinance that went into effect last month that "will allow police to 'padlock' or effectively shut down houses for a year that have received more than two complaints over six month period."
Quentin Reddicks-Flowers was beaten with a tree branch Tuesday and later died, police have arrested 17-year-old Jermaine Cornish.
Gor called it! Turns out that the "noose" "found" at the fire station was put there by the firefighter who "found" it, one Donald Maynard, who's black. But the NAACP's "Doc" Cheatham doesn't blame Maynard for his actions, because the poor guy is a victim! "... evidently things have reached a stage that even an African-American does an injustice to himself and his own people as a result of a negative culture in that department."
More on the killing of Ty'wonde M. Jones, 13. Wonder why his seemingly able-bodied and available parents couldn't care for him?
Probation violations can lead to jail time even after acquittal-- and these three prosecutors look positively gleeful about it
A 17-year-old boy was stabbed outside Landsdowne Shopping Center Friday in the county.
Dixon on the state investigation of city contracts: "I don't know what it is [or] why they're doing this witch hunt."
Dixon on the other fire department scandal: there's "strong evidence" that firefighters cheated on a promotional exam-- by looking at the test questions from 2001. (Isn't looking at past exam questions how you're supposed to study?)
On Friday the Court of Appeals began hearing the disciplinary case against tart-tongued County Circuit Judge Bruce Lamdin.
"A year and a half after Baltimore-based A&B Check Cashing collapsed, $17 million is still missing, one owner is dead and the other one isn't talking."
A a woman was assaulted and robbed on Taplow Rd. in Homeland; an 83-year-old woman bringing in her trash can was robbed in Essex; two robberies at gunpoint near the Hopkins Homewood campus, also a locksmith on Charles Street and woman on Woodbourne Ave robbed at gunpoint.
Did you know? The Johns Hopkins News-letter reports that "Councilwoman fraternities say neighborhood relations tense," but an ordinance that went into effect last month that "will allow police to 'padlock' or effectively shut down houses for a year that have received more than two complaints over six month period."
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thirteen-Year-Old Killed
13-year-old Tywonde Jones was stabbed to death last night in the 5000 block of Cordelia Avenue, and about two hours later a man was shot in the chest on a street nearby.
"City police statistics for this year in Baltimore indicate a 16 percent increase in forcible rape, and a 25 percent increase in other sex offenses."
... so Bealefeld says that overall crime in the city is down 7 percent. But homicides, shootings and sex offenses are up. So what's down?
"Youths tried as adults and housed in adult prisons commit more crimes, often more violent ones, than minors who remain in the juvenile justice system, a panel of experts appointed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a new report."
"City police statistics for this year in Baltimore indicate a 16 percent increase in forcible rape, and a 25 percent increase in other sex offenses."
... so Bealefeld says that overall crime in the city is down 7 percent. But homicides, shootings and sex offenses are up. So what's down?
"Youths tried as adults and housed in adult prisons commit more crimes, often more violent ones, than minors who remain in the juvenile justice system, a panel of experts appointed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a new report."
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Marco Smoot Indicted for Murder
The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Marco Smoot, 28, of the 300 block of S. Pulaski Street for first-degree murder and other charges. Court documents allege on August 28, 2007, Marco Smoot was identified as the person responsible for a shooting incident in the 400 block of S. Payson Street. Lacy Edward Hazel, 28, was found in the rear yard of a vacant building in the unit block suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He died later the same day from his injuries. An arraignment is scheduled for December 26, 2007 before Judge Albert J. Matricciani, Room 230, Courthouse East.
November 29
A shooting at the Clifton Avenue Rent-A-Center was caught on tape, above.
An unidentified 26-year-old man was shot twice in the back and once in the left shoulder last night while riding a bicycle across Orleans Street in East Baltimore.
Another robbery that used gasoline as a threat.
Homicides are down by 50 percent in Cherry Hill.
In HarfCo, police have arrested the 31-year-old mother of a 16-year-old girl who is charged with attempted murder as part of the 50-person brawl in Edgewood that paralyzed a man. Said the mom, "she's in jail for something she didn't do ... There was a million people there ... How could they pinpoint four little girls? The police needed somebody, so they grabbed them." Sob! Fox reports that the "four little girls" (who are being charged as adults) were in a gang called "WMD"-- "World's Most Dangerous."
WJZ has video of the mom being hauled off to jail, and grandma working her potty mouth.
... on Fox last night a "guy on the street" commented that Edgewood has had problems since people were relocated there from the Murphy Homes (the West Side public housing project imploded in 1999).
In the county, jurors heard a jailhouse tape of Michael B. Martin, the alleged perv who allegedly wanted to kill a prosecutor, a developer and an old lady.
The UTech scandal isn't over yet! The state has raided the offices of Doracon Contracting, the company that subcontracted Dixon's sister's company to do city work.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Five Years for Assault Caught on Tape
At a hearing today, Bernard Ramseur, 17, of the 1300 block of N. Gilmore St. pleaded guilty to armed robbery and third degree sex offense. Judge Althea Handy sentenced Ramseur to 20 years suspend all but five years for the robbery and a concurrent prison term of 10 years suspend all but five years for the sex offense. Judge Handy also ordered that Ramseur have no contact with the victim, attend sex-offense counseling, register as a sex offender, and continue his education. Details from the SA's office:
The State presented the following facts as part of the plea agreement in open court. On June 14, 2007 at approximately 12:45 a.m. police responded to an armed robbery in progress in the 600 block of N. Paca St. A camera operator at the CitiWatch Crime center observed a suspect, later identified as Bernard Ramseur, had backed a victim against a corner wall. The operator immediately directed police officers to the scene, leading to his apprehension and arrest. Assistant State’s Attorney John Park of the Sex Offense Division prosecuted this case.
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