Armed robbery conviction

A Baltimore City jury convicted Jermaine Southern AKA Swilling, 35, of the 400 block of E. Eager St. of two counts of armed robbery and two counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence today following a two day trial.

Armed robbery carries a maximum prison term of 20 years. Use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence carries a maximum of 20 years. Judge Timothy J. Doory scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2009.

On March 20, 2007 at approximately 9:50PM in the 500 block of Centre St. both victims were walking home from a play at the Baltimore School for the Arts when Southern approached and pointed black revolver at both, ordering them to “give me your bags.” The first victim handed over her bag, which contained her wallet, credit cards, US currency, paperwork, and keys. The second victim threw her bag, which contained her wallet, credit cards, $30-$40 US currency, paycheck, cell phone and keys to the ground and Southern grabbed it. On April 30, 2007, both victims positively identified Jermaine Southern in photo arrays. Further investigation revealed that Southern used the phone within an hour of the robbery to call his sister. No gun was recovered. None of the victims’ effects were ever recovered.

Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Leedy of the General Trial Division prosecuted this case.

.. how much time will he get?

Speaking of School for the Arts, 1986 video of Jada Pinkett and 15-year-old future murder victim Tupac, lip-synching to Will Smith in the school's hallowed halls!

197, 198

In the Ink, Anna Ditkoff reports that two murders from earlier this year have been added to the toll, including Eunice Taylor, a 69-year-old woman allegedly pushed to death by her granddaughter.
More on the legal issues from P. Hermann

"Bad Trip: Fells Point Mushroom Bust Snares a Guns-and-Drugs Convict"

A lot of people have asked for updates on the Annie McCann story.
PP sent this article from the Mt. Vernon Gazette, which answers nothing

Pellet-Arm Girl and the Southern district BJ tax on the John Watch.

QTD: "an expungement is a lot like wearing an Armani suit without taking a shower — your outer appearance is flawless but, just beneath the surface, is a smelly little secret you hope no one will discover."

"What do you do when your client opts for death?"

Charles Village Report: "a non-affiliated male with his pants down to his ankles who was armed with a knife and yelling at passing vehicles"

It's been quite a month in Charles Village!
(thanks for the forward, Gerard!)

Crime Alert 11/1/09- 11/17/08
 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
From a Resident:
 
Car Jacking Reported
Weekend of November 15th an 16th in the vicinity of 27th  or 28th and Guilford.  Driver is home safe, neighbor witnessed incident and called police.  No further information available at this time.
 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police Department
Northern District Deployment Data
 
Aggravated Assault
9:07pm on the 1st of November 2008
2600 block of Greenmount Avenue
Police recieved a call for a cutting at 2700 Greenmount Avenue.  Upon arrival the Police Officer found a blood trail in the 2600 block that headed north.  Officers located the victim in the 700 block of East 30th street bleeding from the abdomen.  The victim was uncooperative and gave no information.  Victim was transported to the hospital by Baltimore City medics.
 
3:38am on the 5th of November 2008
3000 block of North Calvert Street
During an argument the suspect choked the victim and threatened to kill her.  A warrant was obtained for the suspect. 
 
1:45am on the 6th of November 2008
3400 block of Greenmount Avenue
Victim and suspect (boyfriend) were arguing when suspect struck the victim multiple times.  Victim tried to flee into a store but suspect chased her into the store and pulled out a knife on the victim.  Victim retrieved a pair of sissors {sic} in the business to defend herself.  Suspect then fled the store.  Responding Officers located the suspect and arrested him. 
 
Armed Robbery
5:05pm on the 5th of November 2008
2300 block of North Calvert
Victim was riding his bike in the parking lot when the suspects began a conversation with him.  The suspects told the victim to get off his bike.  One suspect produced a handgun and the listed property was taken.  Suspects then fled southbound. 
 
2:50 am on the 8th of November 2008
Unit block of East 21st Street
Victims were seated in a vehicle when two suspects approached, one displaying a handgun.  Suspects then robbed the victims of the listed property and fled with the same on foot, northbound on Charles Street. 
Property Taken: Cell Phone, Cash, Wallet, ID, Credit Cards, Social Security Card.
 
10:15pm on the 9th of November 2008
2300 block of North Calvert Street
Victim got out of his car when the suspects approached displaying a handgun. They said they were the police and they wanted him to look at some photos.  Suspects then make the victim go into his house where they robbed him.  Suspects then forced the victim to drive into the North East district to go to the victims mothers house.  Suspects released the victim on Erdman Ave. 
Property Taken: Gold Chain and Cash
 
7:55am on the 10th of November 2008
Unit block of East 21st Street
Victim was walking and passed by the suspects.  Suspect 1 said "don't go up the steps" and then said "give me your money".  The victim complied.  Suspect 1 then displayed a handgun and grabbed the victims cell phone before fleeing the scene.  It appears as if there was another incident on the 11th involving the same suspects, but the description is cut off.  The case is listed as closed and suspects may have been arrested on the 11th in relation to this robbery. 
 
Commercial Armed Robbery
6:05 on the 4th of November 2008
2800 block of Greenmount Avenue
Suspect entered the store, pointed a hand gun at one employee, and said to another employee, "Give me the money.  Open the drawer or I will shoot him." The second employee then opened the register and the suspect walked around the counter, removed cash, and fled through the front door.  No injuries during the incident. 
Property Taken: Cash
 
6:10pm on the 5th of November 2008
Unit block of East 25th Street
Employee was locking the front door when the suspect exited a green van and approached her.  The suspect placed a knife to her throat and told her to go back into the store.  The suspect removed currency from the safe, told the employee to go into the refrigerator, and then fled. 
Propety Taken: Cash and a Cell Phone
 
7:43pm on the 10th of November 2008
3000 block of Greenmount Avenue
Suspects entered the store and pushed the store owner stating "where the money at." while displaying a handgun.  Suspects then took the listed property, duct taped the store owner, and then fled.
Property Taken: Cash, Cigarettes, 6 Cell Phones
 
6:05am on the 11th of November 2008
3200 block of Saint Paul Street
Suspect entered the store and displayed a handgun and stated "give me all the money".  Store employee complied giving listed property to the suspect.  Suspect then fled on foot eastbound on 33rd. 
Property Taken: Cash
 
2:11pm on the 12th of November 2008
3100 block of Greenmount Avenue
Suspect entered the store and asked the employee to retrieve a purse that hung on the wall.  While the employee was doing so he pulled out a handgun and stated "Give me the money".  After the suspect was given the property, he stated "Don't come to the window, I'll shoot you."  Then the suspect fled on foot. 
Property Taken: Cash and a Purse
 
Residential Burglary
11:40am on the 1st of November 2008
3500 block of Charles Street
Suspect entered the unlocked front door of the victims apartment, removed listed property, and fled. 
Point of Entry: Front Door - Property Taken: Laptop
 
Attempted Residential Burglary
4am on the 14th of November 2008
2600 block of Guilford Avenue
Unknown suspect attempted to gain entry to a home through the front window.
 
Commercial Burglary
5am on the 2nd of November 2008
400 block of East 33rd Street
Suspect broke the front glass door and entered.  Once inside, suspect broke open a cash register, removed listed property and fled through the front door.
Point of Entry: Front Door - Property Taken: Cash
 
Between 3am and 6:42am on the 11th of November 2008
3300 block of Greenmount Avenue
Unknown suspect forced security door, then broke front glass to gain entry.  Suspect then removed listed property and fled.  Crime Lab Responded. 
Property Taken: Cash and Clothes
 
Between 6:10pm on the 10th and 7:40am on th e11th of November 2008
Unit block of East 25th Street
Suspect forced the front door and entered.  Once inside the susepct removed the listed property from the register and then fled. 
Property Taken: Cash
 
Attempted Commercial Burglary
5:48am on the 7th of November 2008
2500 block of Saint Paul Street
Unknown suspect attempted to gain entry to the store by pushing in an exhaust frame.  Suspect then fled without gaining entry.
 
Stolen Auto
6:25pm on the 8th of November 2008
2500 block of Greenmount Avenue
Point of Entry: Car Door - Property Taken: Green 2008 Hyunda Santa Fe
 
Between 11pm on the 10th and 7am on the 11th of November 2008
3300 block of Greenmount Avenue
Gold 2000 Chrysler Concorde, MD Tags
 
Larceny from Auto
Between Noon on the 1st and 9am on the 2nd of November 2008
2400 block of Guilford Avenue
Property Taken: MD Tags
 
Between 4pm on the 3rd and 4pm on the 4th of November 2008
2100 block of North Charles Street
Property Taken: MD Tags
 
7:05pm on the 2nd of November 2008
2800 block of Guilford
Point of Entry: Car Window - Property Taken: iPod
 
Between 3am and 9:51am on the 5th of November 2008
3100 block of Greenmount Avenue
Property Taken: MD Tags
 
Between 6pm on the 8th and 10am on the 9th of November 2008
100 block of East 25th Street
Point of Entry: Car Door - Propety Taken: iPod Charger and MP3 adapter
 
Between 5pm on the 4th and 5pm on the 8th of November 2008
2900 block of Calvert Street
Property Taken: Catalytic Converter
 
Between 1:30pm and 3:40pm on the 10th of November 2008
Unit block of East 21st Street
Point of Entry: Car Door - Property Taken: Zip Drive
 
Between 7:30am and 4:30pm on the 11th of November 2008
2300 block of North Charles Street
Propety Taken: Catalytic Converter
 
Between 2pm and 4pm on the 14th of November 2008
2700 block of North Calvert Street
Point of Entry: Car Window - Property Taken: GPS
 
Between 5pm and 10:30pm on the 15th of November 2008
2600 block of Guilford Avenue
Point of Entry: Car Window - Property Taken: GPS and Digital Camera
 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johns Hopkins University
Campus Safety and Security
 
 Weekly Campus Crime Report 

November 3, 2008 – November 10, 2008

 
 On Campus
 
 Theft – Wyman Building, 2nd floor Pediatrics – Between Oct. 24th at 12:00 PM and Nov. 3rd at 11:58 AM, a partial amount of currency was taken from an envelope in a locked office file cabinet.  No sign of forced entry to the office or the cabinet.  Also, between Oct. 27th at 12:00 PM and Oct. 29th at 12:00 PM, three peak flow plastic asthma devices were taken from the clinical area.  Investigation continuing.
 
Vandalism to Vehicle – Fresh Food Café Loading Dock – On Nov. 9th between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, two tires were slashed on a parked car belonging to a food services employee.  Baltimore Police responded.  Investigation continuing.
 
Off Campus
 
 UPDATE - SUSPECT ARRESTED - Armed Robberies – 200 Blk. E. 28th St. and 2600 Guilford Avenue – Oct. 24th at 10:01 PM.  On November 3rd 2008 Baltimore Police arrested a suspect in the aforementioned robberies.  One of the victim’s cell phone was recovered.  Investigation continuing.
 
Disorderly Conduct - 15 arrests – E. 33rd & St. Paul Sts. – On Nov. 5th at 12:48 AM, a group of approximately 500 people gathered to celebrate the Presidential election results.  After numerous attempts to disperse the crowd, Baltimore Police arrested a faculty member, five students and nine non-affiliates.  No injuries.
 
Theft – Evergreen House Grounds, 4545 N. Charles St. – Between Nov. 5th at 4:00 PM and Nov. 7th at 10:00 AM, three propane tent heaters were taken from an unattended tent on the north side of the carriage house.  Baltimore Police responded.  Investigation continuing.
 
 
November 10, 2008 – November 17, 2008
 
 On Campus
 
 Unauthorized J-card use – MSE Library – Nov. 17th at 2:00 AM, an unknown male attempted to use a female student’s J-Card to enter the library.  The card was confiscated by a library guard at which point the male fled the building.  Campus Officers and off-duty Baltimore Police officers working for JHU searched the area with negative results.  Investigation continuing.
 
CCTV Observation / Trespasser – Athletic Center, Front Bike Rack – On Nov. 15th at 12:19 AM, Campus Officers and off-duty Baltimore Police working for JHU identified a non-affiliated male tampering with of a crate attached to a bike.  The male was identified, issued a trespass warning and escorted from the area.  Nothing damaged, nothing taken.
 
Off Campus
 
Armed Commercial Robbery – Subway, 3233 St. Paul Street – On Nov. 11th at 6:03 AM, an unknown male entered the establishment, produced a black handgun and demanded money.  The cashier gave the suspect the contents of the cash register who then fled the store via a side door.  The suspect was last seen running east in the 100 block of E. 33rd Street.  Baltimore Police responded.  The area was searched with negative results.  See Security Bulletin FA-5 at www.jhu.edu/~security.
 
Common Assault – Outside University Market, 3200 Blk. St. Paul St. – On Nov. 10th at 10:15 AM, as an undergraduate student exited the store and declined a panhandler’s request for some money, the panhandler grabbed the student’s vest and touched her inappropriately. Campus Officers, Baltimore Police and an off-duty Baltimore Police officer working for JHU responded and searched the area with negative results.  Investigation continuing.
 
CCTV Observation / Trespasser – Bunting-Meyerhoff Interfaith Center – On Nov. 13th at 4:32 AM, a non-affiliated, homeless male loitering by the bus stop was issued a trespass warning by Campus Officers and off-duty Baltimore Police working for JHU.
 
UPDATE - SUSPECT ARRESTED - Assault – E. 33rd and St. Paul Streets – Nov. 10th at 10:15 AM.  On November 13th 2008 Baltimore Police arrested and charged a suspect in the aforementioned assault.  Investigation continuing.
 
ARREST – Unarmed Robbery – 32nd & St. Paul Sts. – On Nov. 16th at 7:20 PM, Baltimore Police arrested three non-affiliated juvenile males who robbed a senior undergraduate of money after one of the juveniles claimed to have a gun.  No injuries. The three suspects were subsequently arrested in the 3300 block Barclay Street after being positively identified.  Money and a plastic toy gun were confiscated from the suspects.  The juveniles were also charged with a robbery of a non-affiliate that occurred at 34th & Calvert Streets at approximately 7:30 p.m.
 
Emergency Commitment – Disorderly Conduct – 100 Blk. W. 29th St. – On Nov. 14th at 7:10 AM, Baltimore Police arrested a non-affiliated male with his pants down to his ankles who was armed with a knife and yelling at passing vehicles.  The male was taken by ambulance to Union Memorial Hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
 

-- from the CV benefits district listserv

195, 196, 197?

"Teen, man shot to death"

"City police probe death of toddler who had methadone in body"

Mystery of the vanishing VW solved!

A man mugged at the Cold Spring light rail and stolen jewelry, cash and other goods in the Messenger blotter.

From the SAO:

Late yesterday a Baltimore City jury convicted Issac Smith, 23, of the 5600 block of Carter Ave. of second-degree murder. Judge Charles G. Bernstein sentenced Smith to 30 years in prison.

The jury heard evidence over the course of a four day trial and deliberated over two days.

The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Smith December 8, 2003 for first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon counts. A Baltimore City jury convicted Smith December 10, 2004 of first-degree murder and Smith was sentenced to life in prison.

On July 12, 2007 the Maryland Court of Special Appeals vacated Smith’s first-degree murder conviction, citing an omission of a jury question during voir dire by the trial judge.

On October 27, 2003 Smith fatally stabbed Jamall Hill, 23, in the 5500 block of Harford Rd. Witnesses testified that Smith chased the victim approximately three blocks before stabbing him one time in the heart. Testimony revealed that Smith believed Hill had stolen $1,000 from a mutual friend. The State successfully prosecuted the retrial after searching and finally locating two witnesses from the first trial; one local and one out of state.

Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul O’Connor and Timothy Lake prosecuted this case.

Cult Member Sprung

At a bail hearing on Friday before the Honorable John Howard, Steven Lee Bynum, 42, of the 700 block of Bethune Road, charged with the cult murder of one-year-old Javon Thompson, had his no bail status reduced and was released on his personal recognizance today.

Justin Fenton discovers more about the young men accused of killing councilman Ken Harris, including that one suspect was convicted in August of possessing a handgun in the county, and the other dropped out of the 10th grade and has a 4-month-old child.

In the county, a decade after the murder of 17-year-old Shen Poehlman, John Miller IV was sentenced

More on the police-involved shooting yesterday of a guy who was stabbing his wife in the neck on North Avenue

Gunshot sensor technology at JHU, for what it's worth

Former soldier Leonard Stephan Lockley, got 21 months for allegedly smuggling AK-47s from Iraq and selling them to a bank robber.

Colin Frost, Jack Wyatt and Jamal Davis were all arrested after being the subjects of an Examiner story .
(Wonder what the actual charges were & how long they'll stay arrested?)
Thanks Pp.

Christopher Jude Blauvelt, age 39, of Dundalk, was found guilty of drug and perv charges

Shady

goings-on at the impound lot, as the "Mystery of missing impounded car deepens"

193, 194

by gunshot

Two years for attempted murder, nine for coke

A guy who got two years for attempted murder in back in the pokey after violating his probation. reports the SA's office:

Chief Administrative Circuit Court Judge Marcella Holland today sentenced Leonard Shelley, 23, of the 3400 block of W. Saratoga Street, to 9-years {sic} in prison for violating the terms of his probation on case number 101099031... In 2002, Shelley, 17 years, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder and handgun violations. Court documents show that Leonard Shelley was arguing with a man and then took out a gun. The man he was arguing with ran away as Shelley fired the gun. Another man who was riding by on a bicycle with no connection to the argument was struck. In a plea agreement reached on March 15, 2002, Shelley received a sentence of 20-years {sic} with 15-years {sic} suspended and 3-years {sic} probation. He was released from incarceration in August 2004. His probation would have expired in August 2007, but he was arrested on a new narcotics case in February 2007 ... In July 2008, Shelley pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine in case number 2072101008 and received an 18-month. Today’s 9-year sentence is consecutive to that sentence.

street justice

A city officer shot a man who stabbed a woman

Two incidents of store clerks thwarting robbers in the NE county

"A guest at the Swan Motel in Lansdowne lost his money to a gunman while trying to prevent the robber from stealing his tie."

#192

"One man was shot and killed last night in the living room of a vacant rowhouse in Northwest Baltimore, while a second man was wounded by gunfire and found lying on the roof of the home's front porch, city police said this morning."

From Sunday: Behind the DP Commission's debate

Hermann has the charging docs for Ken Harris' alleged killers, and the Examiner gives its thumbs-up to the arrests

Man's car vanishes from impound lot!

Charles McGaney, 19 and Gary A. Collins, 20 charged with murder in the death of Ken Harris are scheduled for a bail review today at 9:30 AM at Central Booking and Intake Facility in Part 40. The defendants are in Group 1.

City officer indicted for assault

Friday, an AACounty grand jury indicted city Police Officer Melvin Ellsworth Jones on charges of first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and carrying a weapon with intent to injure, he faces 33 years in jail.

Murder #188 was ID'd as Takira Leray Johnson-Bey, 27.

Quadruple shooting at an Odenton mall!
Homemade gifts are always the best kind!!

New evidence raises questions about the conviction of an ex-boyfriend for the murder of Melissa Stefanski last year.

Delaware alleged killer Damion Neal was caught after fleeing to Baltimore county.

St. Mary's county lowering crime, thanks to CompStat.

"Hundreds" show up at city hall to protest CA's Prop H8TE
".... as passerbys shouted obscenities and a dissenting opinion, it was obvious that the battle is far from over."

Now a second suspect has been arrested in the Harris murder: Gary Collins, 20.

Sun: Ken Harris Suspect Arrested!

He's Charles Y. McGaney, 19, right -->
Police also have ID'd a second suspect, we hear, thanks to the wonders of DNA.
Wonder if we'll ever find out what happened, or who the woman in the car was?

A man in his 20s was shot to death at about 6:30 p.m. yesterday in the 2000 block of Robb St.
Murder #189 was ID'd as Leroy J. Taylor, 45, and Ernest McFadden, 39, was ID'd as #187.

MD capital punishment to be put to a long, painful death by committee

Peter Hermann on the reportage timeline of the Mt. Vernon rapes. Yesterday, for reasons unknown, police released the dates, but not the locations, of the attacks.

No more poppin bottles in da club at the Belvedere.

Media Blabber

Where's the journalism bailout?
"Doesn't America need the New York Times as much at it needs the Chevy Cobalt?"

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

A fifth attack in the parking lot of Arundel Mills Mall!

Live and Let Live

Fenton: Sterling Clifford "defended yesterday the department's decision to delay notifying Mount Vernon residents of a string of rapes"

"A 19-year-old man will spend four years in prison after pleading guilty to killing a friend in jail last year during a fight over a Monopoly game, authorities said."

"The Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment voted 13-7 Wednesday to recommend abolishing executions in its Dec. 15 report to the governor."

Genius: "The Supreme Court heard argument Monday in a case that could restore gun-ownership rights to some domestic abusers."

"A unanimous Court of Appeals has overturned a first-degree murder conviction, saying the prosecutor violated the defendant’s attorney-client privilege"

Dear readers, is it against the law to threaten a citizen who's not (yet) a criminal witness? In spite of her crap attitude, does this court commissioner woman have a point?

From the SAO:
Today Judge John Prevas sentenced Wayne Morris to the statutory maximum of five years for obstruction of justice and 10 years for conspiracy to commit second-degree assault for attempting to obstruct justice in his murder trial. The sentences will run consecutively and consecutive to the 50-year sentence imposed by Judge John Howard on October 28, 2008 for the second-degree murder of Robert Atkinson, five counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence and other related charges stemming from his participation in an armed home invasion that occurred in April 2006. Details:

A Baltimore city jury found Wayne Morris, 22 of the 300 block of S. Calhoun Street guilty of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit second-degree assault on September 25, 2008. The jury deliberated for approximately one day following testimony. Morris was found not guilty of witness intimidation and second-degree assault. The maximum penalty on all charges under Maryland law is 20 years in prison. Maryland enacted a new law in 2005 that changed the maximum penalty for witness intimidation to 20 years in prison.

Two co-defendants, Thelma Watkins and Audrey Tucker were also charged in the above witness intimidation case. Pursuant to Thelma Watkin’s plea agreement negotiated on October 24, 2008, Watkins received a sentence of 10- years suspend all but 1-year. Audrey Tucker’s case was nolle prossed after she cooperated at both the murder trial and at the witness intimidation trial of Morris.

Following his April 2006 arrest for a home invasion and murder, Morris was charged with witness intimidation, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit assault after investigators reviewed more than 36 phone calls Morris made from the Baltimore City Detention Center. In those phone calls, Morris commanded and directed persons to take action against the witnesses in the murder case in an attempt to prevent their testimony in his trial, including a pregnant witness. Morris can be heard in many calls, played in open court, describing how he wanted to get out of jail and come home, and needed help to eliminate witness testimony to thwart his murder case.

The State’s Attorney’s Office has charged over 25 cases of witness intimidation since March of this year, and the problem of witness threats and intimidation continues to affect the prosecution of non-fatal shootings and almost every homicide case according to prosecutors.

Although prosecutors successfully prosecuted 119 gun cases in the FIVE Division (Firearms Investigative Violence Enforcement) between January – June 2008, and secured 70 five year no parole sentences, dozens of cases were dismissed due to legal insufficiency because witnesses did not want to come to court to testify or witnesses changed their statements when called to testify. The difficulty of missing witnesses or witnesses who go “underground” continues to thwart prosecutors.

On August 27, 2008 Morris was convicted of second-degree murder, five counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, two counts of robbery deadly weapon, two counts of attempted robbery deadly weapon, four counts of assault and four counts of conspiracy to rob in the home invasion.

On April 20, 2006 Morris kicked down the door at 1404 Kuper Street, announced a robbery, and shot and killed an occupant of the home, Robert Atkinson, 47. One victim was pistol-whipped and two victims, including a pregnant woman, were assaulted. All were robbed of various items on their person including cash and cell phones.

A co-defendant, David Marshall, was acquitted of murder, robbery and assault charges in April. Marshall faces first-degree burglary charges in connection to this incident.

Assistant State’s Attorney Theresa Shaffer of the Homicide Division prosecuted these cases.

Ppatin, here's that article about moonlighting cops, in case you missed it
also
buzoncrime: No more police in uniform working for bars/nightclubs!

Still Questions in Robert Clay "Suicide"

Baltimore City’s Inspector General Hilton Green questioned employees of the ME's office about the fishy-from-day-one alleged 2005 suicide of local businessman Robert Clay.

Mt. Vernon's Greatest Hits

some Mt. Vernon and Lower Charles Village incidents that Spotcrime says didn't make the news

#189

A murder in the 200 block of Linden Avenue
block of Blogtimorean Adam Meister!(Happy 32nd birthday Adam! Hey, it's this guy's birthday too!)

Sixty years for serial rapist Alphonso Hill.

Parole agents investigating threats against Pigtown community activists

"The fatal downtown stabbing of an exotic dancer last week began as a fight among employees inside a strip club on The Block and could place the club's liquor and adult entertainment licenses in jeopardy." Galt?

Safe sex on Craigslist?

The Supreme Court takes on whales, religious monuments, Roman numerals

Gird your loins & fire escapes

six rapes in a month in Mt Vernon?!

"Nathan Flynn and Sebastian Sassi, both of Pigtown, are trying to fix some of the problems in Baltimore’s Pigtown."

Doug the Plumber?

Could Gansler get a "plumb" job in the Obama DOJ? A Trib blogger speculates

In seven states, public defenders are revolting.

and in New Mexico, scanning prisoners' brains ISO the origins of psychopathy.

... speaking of, Mark Castillo, who admits to killing his three kids to spite their mother, is challenging the terms of his divorce agreement.

MD's protective order database is live

187 188

Adam Meister reports the fatal stabbing of a stripper on the block this morning.

187: unidentified man on Wednesday, shot to death in the Poppleton neighborhood.

Nine shootings in the city this week, mapped by spotcrime

An arrest for the murder of Nicole Sesker-- Joseph Antonio Bonds, who lived next door to where her body was found.

One man arrested, two suspects still at large for the murder of Cletus Ronnie Gittens in Woodlawn.

More on the story of the 85-year-old pastor carjacked by a 14-year-old.

A man beaten with a pipe and robbed in Mt. Washington.

4 haiku

Annie from Fairfax
happy, Volvo, Cheerio
death undetermined

A young fellow, tall
Ralph, 83, at her side
wouldn't let him in

Sarah Ellison
expected to surrender
and the boy, who knows

Nearly unconscious
For his cell phone and money
Beaten while walking

Superdelegate
Chin first into the sandbar
Is how you ride waves

Bitchin Widget!

Check it out at right!! In your face, Tribune!

and Hermann presents the new UCR stats.

A 76-year-old woman was shot last night in her car outside a Parkville senior apartment complex during an attempted carjacking ... if you have a granny in the county, encourage her to get a debit card. Or at least a checkbook.

The Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing two of his 6-year-old test-tube triplets denied the allegations to an Examiner reporter.

MD students had a summit on school violence somewhere Monday before last. (Noted one, "To follow a pack, it's not going to get you nowhere in life.")

Alleged coketified pyro Frederick Mackler pleaded guilty to explosives charges in the county.

And 10 years for the drogas blancas, from the SAO:

At a hearing today Judge Timothy J. Doory sentenced Dana Harris, 31, of the 300 block of S. Monroe St. to 10 years in prison. Harris pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

At about 8 PM on November 1, 2007, police surveillance at 418 S. Smallwood St. observed Harris enter the residence. Harris then left the house, got into a vehicle, and drove away. Police observed Harris driving to the 200 block of Payson St. where he exited the vehicle. Harris then noticed police and fled on foot. Police apprehended Harris and executed a search warrant on the vehicle and 418 S. Smallwood St. Police found nothing illegal from the vehicle, but did recover two vials of cocaine and 17 gel caps of heroin from the house. Harris confessed that the illegal drugs were his.

Police also executed a separate search warrant at 4724 Wakefield, using a key they recovered from Harris’ key ring. Police recovered a total of 51 vials of cocaine, 122 gel caps of heroin, one bag cocaine, one jug of marijuana, a scale with heroin and cocaine residue, a large bag of Mannitol (cutting agent) and empty vials, gel caps and a sifter. Police also recovered mail in Harris’ name from the bedroom closet at 4724 Wakefield with the address of 418 S. Smallwood St. Harris was the target of all three warrants and was in possession of keys to both locations when he was arrested.

Assistant State’s Attorney Keri Borzilleri of the Narcotics Division Prosecuted this case.

###

DNA evidence in Harris murder

"Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III said detectives have recovered key DNA evidence in the killing of former City Councilman Kenneth N. Harris Sr. but need help from the public in determining the suspects' identity." ... does that mean the FBI database is so backlogged as to be worthless?

A guilty plea in the Jan 28 "thrill kill" of 16-year-old Joshua Gibson; up to 60 years for William R. "Billy" Ferandes.

Bye Bye Blinky Grandpa!!

Now, on to the news...

A man was shot in the head in Barclay

Stephen Todd Nelson, compelled by demons to throw his three-year-old son Turner Jordan off the Bay Bridge, pleaded not criminally responsible this morning.

The Ink catalogues four murders this past week: Mark Vines, Harley Johnson, Mark Henson and Anthony Rainer. Plus case updates.

Have you seen these two suspects sought in connection with the shooting behind the Manhattan Grill

Keep an eye out for endangered runaway Tashaka Kittrell Palmer, age 17, right

Crazy robberies in the Blotter, including an 84-year-old minister robbed by a 14-year-old, and a guy mugged for beer.

Maj. Melvin Russell of the Eastern re. election night: "in one hour, 'We didn't hear a single gunshot.'"
... though in Charles Village, revelers were arrested and a Hopkins student was Tazed

Julio Cabrera-Mena, a Dominican who supplied Bmore harewin dealers, got 10 Rod years

Vocab word of the day: hawala
As in, Saifullah Anjum Ranjha of Pakistan got 110 years for a money-laundering scheme that used a hawala network to conceal terrorist financing.

Investigation of Internet gambling site Bodog leads to money-laundering charges in MD

Over at the John Watch, a monger has set a cruise-loop record.

Two Murders

last night in the county.

Hermann on how murders are counted.

More on Annie McCann from PP. Maybe it wasn't homicide. Very odd.

Editorial

Slots are for chumps, and if you think any of that money is staying in MD, you're a sucker. No on 2!!

Coke-Dealer Lookout to Serve <30 years

From the SAO:

– November 3, 2008 – At a hearing today, Judge David W. Young found Gary Moss, 25, of the 2200 block of Orleans Street, guilty of violation of probation on felony drug case number 105181054 in Baltimore Circuit Court. In 2006 Moss was convicted of possession with intent to distribute CDS and was sentenced to 20-years with 19-years, 8-months, and 30-days suspended and 3-years probation.

On October 16, 2008 a jury found Moss guilty of a new charge of conspiracy to distribute CDS and other drug counts. He was sentenced by Judge Kaye Allison to
14-years incarceration and 5-years probation. This new conviction led to a violation of probation hearing on case number 105181054 today before Judge Young. For violating his probation, Judge Young sentenced Moss to serve out the balance of his 2006 conviction consecutive to the 14-year sentence imposed by Judge Allison. Moss also admitted guilt to his violation of probation for not reporting to his agent.

Moss’ new case charging him with conspiracy to distribute was based on the following facts: On January 26, 2008 at approximately 10:00 PM in the 2100 block of Kirk Avenue, police officers observed Moss and two other men engaged in drug related activity. The trio were meeting unknown persons in front of a carry-out, and after brief conversations, they would run into a nearby yard for seconds. Moss would walk through the intersection as a look-out, giving the men the “go ahead” when it was clear. Once Moss yelled “go ahead”, the two men would come out of the yard, accept money from unknown persons and hand them suspected CDS. They would then meet up with Moss and give him money. Officers stopped all 3, who were standing together at the corner of Homewood and Kirk Avenue. Officers recovered $320 cash from Moss, and over 30 vials of cocaine.

184

"Mark Henson of the 1500 block of N. Carey St. was shot in the head and upper body about 9 p.m. Saturday, police spokesman Troy Harris said yesterday."

185

Annie McCann, 16, of Fairfax, VA., "found in an alley in the 200 block of S. Spring Court, in the Perkins Homes area, about 3 a.m. Sunday"

Our judges: Take em or leave em

I'm working on your ? about the judges PP-- it took forever to find a sample ballot!
... if you look up your eligibility here, it gives you the option to download one.

... so Deborah Eyler and Robert Zarnoch.
Zarnoch: O'M appointed him, and he was working with the General Assembly prior. He argued against marriage equality.

Deborah Eyler: she lives in Annapolis, was appointed by PG, sports a Tipper Gore hairdo & gave $500 to Obama. Here's some of her ops from the MD courts blog.

A 30-year-old man was shot twice in the hand on Pall Mall Road

>10 Years for Murder of Marine

From the SAO, pic of defendants Crosby and Ammenhauser at right:

A jury convicted Maurice Crosby, 20, of the 5200 block of Ready Avenue of involuntary manslaughter on Friday, and acquitted him of more serious first-degree murder charges and assaults on other victims in the altercation that led to the fatal stabbing of Marine Reservist Michael Simms on June 10, 2007. The maximum allowable sentence for involuntary manslaughter is 10-years in prison.

The jury deliberated about 8-hours after several days of testimony in a trial this week before the Honorable Paul Smith. Sentencing is scheduled for February 3, 2009 before Judge Smith. The defendant testified in his own defense.

The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Crosby July 16, 2007 for first-degree murder and multiple deadly weapons counts and assaults on 3 other surviving victims following an altercation June 10, 2007 in the unit block of S. Chapel Street. Michael Simms, 19, a Marine Reservist was fatally stabbed and later died at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

A co-defendant, Erica Ammenhauser, 21, of the 200 block of Durham Street pled guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree assault June 10, 2008. Under terms of the plea agreement, announced in open court, she was required to testify truthfully, if called, in the murder trial of Maurice Crosby. She was not called as a witness by the State in Crosby’s trial this week.

Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Phelps prosecuted this case.

###

Ammenhauser will serve seven years. She had originally been charged with 1st-degree murder.

... in other news, Three people shot last night; a man shot in the face at Bel Air and Hamilton, and on Marble Hall Rd "One was shot in the groing, the other in teh leg."

One a-hole arrested for the kidnapping and robbery of the U of M medical student

is 10 years too long for slinging crack?

More trouble at York Rd. Plaza-- carjacking on Wednesday, copious puking Friday

Superbad

#179, Dontay Monroe, was "the baddest of the bad"

A mere six shootings this week, mapped by Spotcrime

Brothel case moved to circuit court (19 customers a day?!?!)

Remember that crazy HarfCo melee, where a crazed mob left a man in a wheelchair? An Edgewood teen, Shamere Germany, was convicted of 1st-degree assault.

Vocab word of the day: Espantoon

There's something you don't hear very often: "Parents applaud school's safety response"

What the?! Catholic priest fathers test-tube triplets, is accused of molesting two of them

More on Christopher Clarke

Christopher Clarke's killers got 25 and 5 years, respectively. Here's an excerpt from an article by Jacques Kelly that appeared in the Sun in March of last year:

Christopher C. Clarke, a Patterson High School senior and athlete, was looking forward to becoming a Baltimore police officer. ... His mother, Anita Ann-Marie McDonald, said he had acceptances from several colleges but had decided to enroll at the Baltimore City Police Academy. He "had his eye on the prize," she said, echoing the comments of his teachers and others who knew him.

Instead, Mr. Clarke became a victim of Baltimore crime -- fatally shot March 13 on Cliftmont Avenue near his home in the Belair- Edison neighborhood, a bystander caught in the crossfire of apparent drug-turf violence. He was 18.

Mr. Clarke played on Patterson's football team and was an attackman on the lacrosse team. School officials said that this year's lacrosse season has been dedicated in his honor. He also played the saxophone, keyboard and drums in a Patterson jazz ensemble that performs several times a year.

"God gave him everything -- looks, talent and brains," said Ray Gagne, his music teacher. "You don't get any more hardworking than he was. They just don't come any better."

Tragic, tragic, tragic.

Kidnapping, Murder, and a Creepy Old Man

A University of Maryland medical student was kidnapped and taken to ATM machines. Picture of one of the suspects is at left.

In the county, Nankisoor Ramnath, 54, was charged with first-degree murder in the strangulation death of his wife, Nirmala Maharaj, whose body was found yesterday evening, reportedly by their daughter.

All murder charges were dropped against Adelphi student Nicholas Dudley Pinderhughes Weaver.

Remember the creepy old man found hiding in a Dundalk kids' bedroom? He pleaded guilty today to an attempted first-degree sex offense. Whatever that is.

FBI: Hate crimes are down in MD (maybe because self-hate crimes are on the uptick?)

Wheee! "Man not hurt after SUV drives into Inner Harbor"

50 Years for a Home Invasion, from the SAO (verbatim but with punctuation corrected):

Judge John Addison Howard today sentenced Wayne Morris, 22, of the 300 block of S. Calhoun Street to a total consecutive prison term of 105 years in prison suspending all but 50 years for the murder of Robert Atkinson and charges stemming from his participation in an armed home invasion that occurred in April 2006. Morris received 30 years incarceration for second-degree murder and 20-years for handgun counts. The first 20 years of his sentence are to be served without parole. He received 10 year sentences on each of 3 counts of first-degree assault, robbery, burglary and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Before sentencing Morris, Judge Howard denied defense counsel’s motion for a new trial. The State in a discussion of the pre-sentence investigation revealed that Morris became involved with the criminal justice system at age 14. His crimes escalated from CDS possession to assault to murder. A victim of the home-invasion told Morris in a crime victim impact statement that he did not hate him but, in fact said “I love and forgive you.” Morris asked the Judge to show mercy and not to throw his life away saying that he wanted rehabilitation.

On April 20, 2006 Morris kicked down the door at 1404 Kuper Street, announced a robbery, and shot and killed an occupant of the home, Robert Atkinson, 47. One victim was pistol-whipped and two victims, including a pregnant woman, were assaulted. All were robbed of various items on their person including cash and cell phones.

Morris has also been convicted of obstruction of justice. He was found guilty of attempting to prevent testimony in the home invasion and murder trial. Sentencing in that matter is scheduled for November 12 before Judge John Prevas.

A co-defendant, David Marshall, was acquitted of murder, robbery and assault charges in April. Marshall faces first-degree burglary charges in connection to this incident. Assistant State’s Attorney Theresa Shaffer of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

A mother and daughter were reportedly carjacked at the York Rd. Giant.

#183

Mark Vines, 21, shot to death on the porch of a house in the 600 block of McKewin Ave.

Five Years (or less) for Murder of Christopher Clarke.

The killers of Christopher Clarke, Brandon Green and Jerome Whitaker, pleaded guilty yesterday to charges related to his murder. Green will get five years, Whitaker will get "up to" five years.
UPDATE/CORRECTION: The SAO says that the Sun's report is incorrect: Under terms of the plea, Whitaker will be sentenced to 30 years in prison, suspend all but 25 years, the first 5 years without the possibility of parole, and Green will be sentenced to 5 years.

As for the other trials that were supposed to start yesterday, from the SA's office:

Baltimore, MD – October 30, 2008 – The following five murder trials were scheduled to begin in Baltimore Circuit Court Wednesday.

The murder trial of Bryant Williams was postponed to January 26, 2009. No courts were available.

Court documents allege that on May 2, 2007 in the 2200 block of Barclay Street Derius Harmon, 19, was found fatally shot. Witnesses later identified Williams as the alleged shooter.

The murder trial of Dajuan Marshall was postponed to a date to be determined. No courts were available.

Court documents allege on June 8, 2008, Dajuan Marshall and an unknown male approached Kenneth Jones in the area of Custom House and Water Street. Marshall and the unknown male allegedly forced Jones at gunpoint into the trunk of a waiting four door sedan. The body of Mr. Jones was found on June 9 at 12:15AM in the 4500 block of Bonner Road.

The murder trial of Danny Battle was postponed to January 14, 2009. No courts were available.

Court documents allege Danny Battle was responsible for a shooting incident on January 25, 2008 in the 900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. Irvin Lawson was found suffering from gunshot wounds in the unit block. He died later at University of Maryland Shock Trauma.

The murder trial of Michael Wallace was postponed to a date to be determined. No courts were available.

Court documents allege June 12, 2007 in the 2400 block of Ellamont Ave. the victim, Sterling A. Carr, Jr., 28, was found on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso. Carr died the same day at Shock Trauma. Witnesses later identified Wallace as the alleged shooter.

The murder trial of Darnell Jeter was postponed to February 2, 2009. No courts were available.

Court documents allege Darnell Jeter was responsible for the death of Theresa Parker on March 25, 2007 in the 1200 block of Treeleaf Court. Parker was found dead in the second floor bedroom of a vacant dwelling at that address.

Seven murders, a stabbing and a threatening gesture

Seven murders reported this week in the Ink; #178, Kenneth Ringgold, was removed from the toll. The teenager shot on N. Clinton Street was ID'D as 17-year-old Shawn Crosby.

"17-year-old charged in stabbing at Heritage High"

Two years for witness intimidation and disorderly conduct, verbatim from Margaret Burns:

Willie Guiterrez Amaya, 26, of 8000 block of Gough Street in Baltimore was found guilty Tuesday of witness intimidation and disorderly conduct during a court trial before the Honorable Nathan Braverman. Amaya received a 2-year suspended sentence and 1-year supervised probation.Prosecutor Oana Nagy handled the case in Eastside District Court.

On August 23, 2008 at approximately 12:30 AM police received a call for a traffic accident in the 6500 block of Eastern Avenue and upon arrival Amaya was found threatening the 24-yr.old victim for calling for police assistance. The defendant failed in his attempt to negotiate a financial settlement for the accident and made hand gestures towards the victim appearing to cut his throat.

Exhibit A interviews the exec director of the MD Legal Aid Bureau.

The Gerard Mungo lawsuit is moving to HoCo.

Place Your Bets

Following, a press release from the State's Attorney's Office. Six murder trials are scheduled to start tomorrow.
How many will actually start? (All but one are scheduled for the same judge-- duh!)
How many will end in a conviction?
Let's follow together, shall we?

Baltimore, MD – October 28, 2008 – The following six murder trials are scheduled to begin in Baltimore Circuit Court tomorrow.

The murder trial of Brandon Green and Jerome Whitaker is scheduled to begin at 2:00PM tomorrow before Judge John C. Themelis, 225 Courthouse East.

Court documents allege that on March 13, 2007 Christopher Clark, 18, was caught in a crossfire and sustained a gunshot wound to the torso in the 3100 block of Cliftmont Avenue. Allegedly, Clark was shot in the crossfire when an unknown male appeared from an alley and fired a handgun at Antonio Santifer, who was standing on the sidewalk in front of his residence. Santifer was struck and taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital. The two other suspects, later identified as Jerome Whitaker and Brandon Green, were also wounded and treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Clark died from his injuries at Johns Hopkins Hospital the same day.

The murder trial of Bryant Williams is scheduled to begin 9:30AM tomorrow before Judge John A. Howard, 438 Mitchell Courthouse.

Court documents allege that on May 2, 2007 in the 2200 block of Barclay Street Derius Harmon, 19, was found fatally shot. Witnesses later identified Williams as the alleged shooter.

The murder trial of Dajuan Marshall is scheduled to begin 11:00AM tomorrow before Judge John C. Themelis, 225 Courthouse East.

Court documents allege on June 8, 2008, Dajuan Marshall and an unknown male approached Kenneth Jones in the area of Custom House and Water Street. Marshall and the unknown male allegedly forced Jones at gunpoint into the trunk of a waiting four-door sedan. The body of Mr. Jones was found on June 9 at 12:15AM in the 4500 block of Bonner Road.

The murder trial of Danny Battle is scheduled to begin 2:00PM tomorrow before Judge John C. Themelis, 225 Courthouse East.

Court documents allege Danny Battle was responsible for a shooting incident on January 25, 2008 in the 900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. Irvin Lawson was found suffering from gunshot wounds in the unit block. He died later at University of Maryland Shock Trauma.

The murder trial of Michael Wallace is scheduled to begin 2:00PM tomorrow before Judge John A. Howard, 438 Mitchell Courthouse.

Court documents allege June 12, 2007 in the 2400 block of Ellamont Ave. the victim, Sterling A. Carr, Jr., 28, was found on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso. Carr died the same day at Shock Trauma. Witnesses later identified Wallace as the alleged shooter.

The murder trial of Darnell Jeter is scheduled to begin 11:00AM tomorrow before Judge John A. Howard, 438 Mitchell Courthouse.

Court documents allege Darnell Jeter was responsible for the death of Theresa Parker on March 25, 2007 in the 1200 block of Treeleaf Court. Parker was found dead in the second floor bedroom of a vacant dwelling at that address.

Two years for assault & bomb threat

From the SAO
PRESS RELEASE

At a hearing today at the Wabash District Court, Waliyyuddi Fergueson, 32, of the 3700 block of Woodbine Ave, entered into a plea on one count of second degree assault and one count of threatening to explode a destructive device on a structure. After being found guilty, Judge H. Gary Bass sentenced the defendant to 2 years with all but 5 months suspended, 3 years supervised probation, and a stay away order in addition to the standard conditions of probation.

The following not guilty agreed statement of facts was read into the record by the State to support the plea:

On September 19, 2008 at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, Mr. Fergueson's brother, Willie Fergueson, was found guilty by a city jury of murdering Richard Ray.

As the victim's family was returning from court in the 3700 block of Woodbine Ave some time after 5 o'clock, Waliyyuddi Fergueson approached them and said, "I'm going to throw a fucking bomb in your house." Mr. Ferguson then pulled up his shirt and displayed what appeared to be the butt of a handgun sticking out of his waistband. Fergueson entered his vehicle and left the location, but was apprehended by a Northwest District Patrol Officer a short time later. No gun was recovered.

No Jail Time for Hit and Run that Killed Toddler

From the SA's office:

At a hearing today, Donte Spencer, 22, of Burleigh Avenue plead guilty to leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Judge John C. Themelis sentenced Spencer to 5-years in prison suspended and 3-years probation. He was ordered to write a letter of apology to the victim’s family and pay a fine as conditions of probation.

At today’s hearing, attended by the many members of the victim’s family, Spencer agreed to waive his right to a trial and pleaded guilty to the following facts. On May 20, 2006 at approximately 8:30 PM family members of 2-year old Taemier Forrester were having a family cookout in the 2300 block of Lauretta Avenue. Taemier and her mother were sitting on the house steps when the child’s mother entered the house to use the restroom. Donte Spencer was driving a vehicle in the 2300 block of Lauretta Avenue when the 2-year old darted from between two parked cars into traffic. The child became trapped in the wheel well of Spencer’s car and suffered massive head injuries. Taemier died of these injuries May 21. The medical examiner ruled her death an accident. Investigators found no speeding, drugs or alcohol involved in the accident.

Despite numerous witnesses outside at the time of the accident, Spencer was not positively identified as the driver of the vehicle that hit Taemier until a witness came forward in December 2007. A paint chip from the crime scene was eventually matched to Spencer’s car.

Assistant State’s Attorney Robin Wherley of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

25 Years for Murderer of Christine Richardson

Press release from the SA's office:

At a hearing today Calvin Puryear, 21, of the 1900 block of Ramsay St. pled guilty to first-degree murder and openly carrying a deadly weapon with intent to injure. Judge John A. Howard sentenced Puryear to life suspend all but 25-years in prison.

On July 10, 2007 at approximately 2:10AM the mother of the victim, Christine Richardson, 15, [left] returned home from her job and discovered the back door of her home in the 300 block of S. Fulton Ave. unlocked. She found her daughter in an upstairs bedroom wearing a pink dress suffering from fatal stab wounds to the neck. She had been stabbed several times and her throat was slashed.

Police identified Puryear as a suspect and he gave police a statement indicating that he was in the house and that he held Richardson down while implicating a co-defendant, Lloyd Chase, saying he stabbed her. Police continued their investigation and questioned Chase who denied being in the house and said that Puryear confessed to him that night that he killed Christine. Chase admitted that he went by the house later to see what was going on and called police. Police were able to confirm that Chase made a 911 call.

Further investigation revealed that DNA taken from the victim matched Puryear and not Chase. No fingerprints are recovered from the scene and a murder weapon was not recovered. No motive was offered at today’s hearing.

Lloyd Chase pled guilty April 25, 2008 to accessory after the fact to murder and is pending sentencing November 6, 2008. Chase faces a maximum prison term of 3-years. Assistant State’s Attorney Cynthia Banks of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

Charging docs here and here

Nicholas Browning Pleaded Guilty

today to four counts of first-degree murder.

Two recent murder victims were ID'd as Derrick Phillips, 42, and Gregory Boston, 48. And apparently there was a murder Saturday in the 2400 block of Loyola Southway.

Pig-biting mad

Pigtown residents are pig-biting mad that Colin (aka Collin or Calvin) Frost DOB: 10/24/1988 has been picked up and dropped off more times than a Washington Blvd. working lady

The City Council wants to start fining parking permit fraudsters $500

That cannot possibly be legal dept: the E says Baltimore City Election Director Armstead Jones office is canceling hundreds of ex-felons’ voter registrations because the former criminals did not call his office, as per an unsigned, undated letter he sent out.

Melissa Harris: Murders may be down, but the homicide clearance rate is the second-lowest "in nearly 3 decades"

A teen was shot and "seriously injured" yesterday morning, reportedly on West Fayette and North Monroe Streets

Peter Hermann visits the ironically named Walbrook Homeland Security Academy, and he and Buz blog about a visit from LA police chief William J. Bratton (who, for head of a large organization, certainly manages to travel a lot)

Hot damn I'm psychic, indeed no daily local news source could resist the siren song of the "man caught stealing women's underwear" story

#182

"An unidentified black man was found shot in the head in the 1800 block of North Regester Ave. in East Baltimore at about 12:59 this morning, Baltimore City Police said."

JB: "Baltimore police said they recently closed a 'well-organized house of prostitution' in Upper Fells Point and a related residence in Butchers Hill" and "prosecutors say it is apparently a case of human trafficking"

Scary numbers

... from the NYT
Cost to analyse a DNA sample: $1500

And guess what % of its budget CA spends on the state corrections system? No wonder they's broke!

News of the Weird

"A bizarre case unfolded in Howard County where police say a man was breaking into apartments and stealing women's underwear."
(What you want to bet this story makes every single local news channel?)

AAC sheriff pursues criminals with flair, Pat Sajak

One Year for Witness Intimidation

from the office of Patricia C. Jessamy:

THELMA WATKINS SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IN PRISON FOR WITNESS INTIMIDATION, OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, & CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ASSAULT

Baltimore, MD – October 24, 2008 - In August 27, 2008 a Baltimore jury convicted Wayne Morris, 22, of the 300 block of South Calhoun Street of second-degree murder, five counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, two counts of robbery deadly weapon, two counts of attempted robbery deadly weapon, four counts of first-degree assault, and four counts of conspiracy to commit robbery deadly weapon. This conviction followed four hours of deliberation and a six day trial.

While awaiting trial, Morris made numerous phone calls from the Baltimore City Detention Center attempting to prevent testimony in the home invasion case. Morris was charged with witness intimidation, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit assault after investigators reviewed more than 36 phone calls Morris made to Thelma Watkins and others. In those phone calls, Morris commanded and directed Watkins to take action against the witnesses in the murder case in an attempt to prevent their testimony at his trial. Morris was heard in many calls, played in open court, describing how he wanted to get out of jail and come home, and needed help to eliminate witness testimony to thwart his murder case.

On or about April 26 Thelma Watkins and another woman broke into A Kuper Avenue residence to assault a witness to the home invasion. Subsequently she was indicted on charges of witness intimidation, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit second-degree assault. Thelma Watkins provided testimony in Morris’ witness intimidation trial and was sentenced this morning by the Honorable John N. Prevas to 10-years suspend all but 1-year for her role. She was also sentenced to 5-years suspend all but 1-year with 3-years probation for obstruction of justice and 10-years suspend all but 1-year with 3-years probation for conspiracy to commit second-degree assault. Ms. Watkins was out on bail prior to her sentencing this morning.

A co-defendant in the home-invasion, David Marshall, was acquitted of murder, robbery and assault charges in April 2008. Assistant State’s Attorney Theresa Shaffer of the Homicide Division has prosecuted these cases.
###

15 shootings this week

... mapped by our friends at spotcrime.

A man was shot to death in the 2700 block of Oswego Ave.

The city council has scheduled a hearing to get an update on the Ken Harris case.

More details of the Timonium kidnapping/ robbery/ assault

A new law lets city police seize dirt bikes whenever and wherever

Prostitution arrests in HoCo

#180, 181?

Another mysterious body, this in the 3500 block of Pelham Avenue in the Northeast.
(Thnx Glt)

The man shot by Coldstream Park Elementary was ID's as Dontay Monroe, 18.

Thanks to reader Dan who pointed out a numbering error in the toll-- the city has now had 180 murders. Which is still a remarkably low number.

The system works sometimes! A judge overturned Bruce Lamdin's decision to evict a domestic-violence victim at the expense of her knife-wielding husband.

Monday, police shot and wounded a man in front of Belmont Elementary School. Here's hoping it's once of those freaky city schools that doesn't have windows!

Drug dealers are getting probation, and Pigtown residents are puh-issed!

.. and speaking of, if you're transporting contraband, try going the speed limit, mkay?

Ok, time to go to bed now

Tyron Lydale Johnson of Waldorf got a year and a day for a counterfeit-check scheme that he used to pay for a Ford motor vehicle and a vacation in Georgia, U.S.A.

Ladies & gentlemen, the weirdest comment we've ever gotten.
... before I lose my digits: the SAO's office is the final say if a homicide = murder.
And "cause" and "manner" are two different things? decided by the Medical Examiner?
... what happens to #173

Two Guys, Four 'Guilty' Pleas for Murder

Press Release from the SAO, cut n pasted:

PATRICK D. WILKES PLEADS GUILTY TO THREE MURDERS OVER MONTH-LONG CRIME SPREE IN MAY 2007

CITY JURY CONVICTS HIM IN SEPARATE ARMED ROBBERY

ANTHONY WHITE PLEADS GUILTY TO ONE MURDER

Wilkes to Be Sentenced to 100 Years in Prison Suspend All But 60 Years; White to Be Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison Suspend All But 25 Years at December Sentencing Hearings

Baltimore, MD – October 22, 2008 – A Baltimore City jury convicted Patrick D. Wilkes, 24, of the 200 block of S. Bentalou St. today of robbery with a deadly weapon (armed robbery) and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence yesterday. The jury heard two days of testimony and deliberated approximately two hours before reaching its verdict.

Immediately following the guilty verdict, Wilkes pled guilty to a second armed robbery count and three counts of second-degree murder.

Judge John N. Prevas scheduled sentencing for December 5, 2008 at which time Wilkes faces a prison term of 100 years suspend all but 60 years.

The jury convicted Wilkes of the following case: At approximately 6:00AM May 21, 2007 in the 100 block of S. Pulaski St. Wilkes pulled a gun and robbed a cell phone and currency from a man on his way to work.

Wilkes pled to the following armed robbery: At approximately 6:00AM May 26, 2007 Wilkes pulled a gun and robbed a cell phone from a man on his way to work. Police respond and arrest Wilkes near the scene and recover the victim’s cell phone and the handgun. The handgun is tested and is linked to the May 5, 2007 murder of Adrian Beasley, 23.

Wilkes pled guilty to second-degree murder in connection to the May 5, 2007 shooting death of Beasley, who was found shot to death in the 1300 block of Herkimer Street.

Wilkes pled guilty to second-degree murder in connection to the April 18, 2007 shooting death of Johnny A. James, 25. James was found shot to death in the 300 block of S. Bentalou St.

Wilkes pled guilty to second-degree murder in connection to the May 15, 2007 shooting death of Deandre Salmond. Salmond was found shot to death in the 500 block of S. Smallwood St.

Following the court proceedings of Wilkes, his first-cousin Anthony White, 24, of the 200 block of S. Smallwood St. pled guilty to second-degree murder.

White pled guilty to second-degree murder in connection to the May 15, 2007 shooting death of Deandre Salmond. Salmond was found shot to death in the 500 block of S. Smallwood St.

Judge Prevas scheduled sentencing for December 12, 2008 at which time White faces a prison term of 50 years suspend all but 25 years.

Murder charges are pending against Antonio White. Those proceedings continue before Judge Prevas.

Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Phelps prosecuted this case.

###

# 177, 178

A 17-year-old boy was shot to death in the 600 block of North Clinton St.

The body of a young man was found near Coldstream Park Elementary School this morning, and though there's no reference to the manner of death, a natural cause seems rather unlikely.
UPDATE: He was shot, and elementary-school students found him.

Kenneth Ringgold, 34, was ID'd as the man stabbed to death in the 100 block of N. Janney St.

The man shot to death Monday on Preston St. was identified as Carlton Tremain Bethea, 29, of the 2200 block of E. Chase St.; a man was shot Monday in the 2200 block of Booth St.

More in the CP from photographer Frank Klein about murder victim Clayton Oxendine, #167, "a good, decent, kind individual trapped in a hole of predetermination"

More updates and names in the Ink

The SAO has two new 'witness locators', filling positions that had been open for more than a year

After his suspension, Baltimore County District Judge Bruce S. Lamdin is back on the bench and more sensitive than ever (the old Bruce would have given the domestic-violence victim a stream of profanity before making her homeless!).

hermann: overtime and crime, street patterns and crime

CofA: If you run when you see the cops, that's reasonably suspicious

County police have arrested a suspect in that attempted kidnapping in White Marsh.

Pepa's back, but she's not here to out-rap you, hoe! Instead she's in bankruptcy court! Her husband sperminated another woman, then his friend allegedly forged a lawyer's signature on a property document. Yet she's got a pretty good attitude about the whole thing.

LOLZ of the day: a woman says her car was a victim of "political violence." Sounds like somebody's dog is a Democrat!

Early AM

Last night, three men were shot last night at the 500 block of W. Preston St. One of them died, marking number 175.

Later on in East Baltimore, a man was stabbed 100 block of N. Janney St. and later died, marking number 176.

Its a good time to have more people on around the clock to protect us... but the police is slashing overtime along with the City wide hiring freeze. Because as you know its more important to have a green Baltimore with plenty of social activities than a safe Baltimore.

Happy Tuesday!

Another guy, one Kiheem Malik Taylor, age 22, was arrested in the Timonium light rail rape/kidnapping case.

Murders Revisited

Updated, with lots of death, very little jail time, including a guy who got 1 year, 1 month, and 12 days in prison for murder (and who'd been charged with murder before).

#174

15-year-old Delvon Butts has died 10 days after being shot.

One hand doesn't know what the other is spending

The BPD is stepping up its game, increasing the operations of its Domestic Violence Unit to cover the entire city. There's a few things that are perplexing here. First of all, what's happening for areas not overseen by the Domestic Violence Unit? Second, the Unit should probably check with Bealefeld, since the Department is now poised to cut $6 million from the budget.

'upsetting to the extreme'

A meeting of the mothers of the alleged victims of alleged serial rapist/ possible serial killer William Brown last week.
More on Brown, Emma O'Hearn and prostitute murders in the city

Alleged Rogers Forge child killer Susan Griffin: "I didn't kill this child ... at least I didn't think I did in any conscious way." Warning, the story really is upsetting to the extreme. If you're lactating, tuck in your breast pads. or just skip it. Seriously.

"Suspicious" human remains found in basement of rowhouse: a "worker was cleaning out the trash and accidentally pulled on the hand" aieeee! Video from JZ

Weekend

An off-duty Baltimore County police officer shot two burglars in his home early this morning in the 200 block of Evesham Ave. near the Baltimore County line

Jeanine Alice Blackwell, 34, pleaded guilty yesterday to the involuntary manslaughter of her newborn son, whom she delivered in a toilet March 9.

Tyrone Fields Jr. and Jawaun Harris, 18, have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Bernard Solomon, 23, on July 29.

Buz wizdom: "robberies are the true measure of a community's safety--not murders. Robberies usually occur in a public place, between strangers, and involve force or the threat of using force. Murders, in this city (and most), involve either a domestic tragedy or business operations among people in 'the game'."

"A former Sinai Hospital patient is suing the hospital and a security guard for $77 million after he says he was assaulted in the emergency room on Labor Day."

Burbs
Trooper Dale Derr, whose cruiser was traveling 83 mph when it struck and killed a man two years ago, has allegedly assaulted the dead man’s brother

A panel of Howard Circuit judges is considering reducing the prison sentence of Marcus Owens, 37, of Columbia, who was was convicted in June 2004 for the second-degree murder and child abuse of his stepson, Kevonte Davis and is serving 60 years for killing his 2-year-old stepson.

A report for the General Assembly found big gaps in MD drug treatment services -- duh-- but surprisingly the city isn't the most, or even second-most, under-served area

In PGC, "Park Police Question Why Body Was Overlooked"

Have you seen...

Daniel DeBold, who has been missing since this morning. If you see him or have seen him please call the police and report that you have seen him and where you have seen him. He was last seen in Arbutus wearing a suit, family says he is paranoid and delusional.

Have you seen...

A tall white guy in a dark green 4-door 1997 Honda Civic, with Maryland tag 1ANV62, wanted for the attempted kidnapping of a 7-year-old boy in White Marsh.