September 29

Jason Fortune, 24, was shot to death in the 800 block of N. Fremont Ave.
No suspects, no motive, just like Dixon and the still-unfilled Police Commissioner position. (42 days and counting!)

Good news Dept.: someone has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the brutal flattening of senior citizen Charles Erdman (#60).

A toddler kidnapped in New Jersey was rescued at the Baltimore Travel Plaza after police tracked down the cell-phone of his loopy babysitter, Shelvon Torrence (left).

In the city, stupid Pit Bull legislation lopes on.
(thanks for the links galt!)

Web site SpeedTrap.org can abet your hotfootin' all over town!

Fleeing to the suburbs isn't all it's cracked up to be! In ACC, "A 19-year-old Pasadena man was arrested Wednesday after police charged him with possessing fake drugs that looked like crack cocaine." (How could that be a crime?)

AAC's College Creek Terrace is some kind of evil vortex!
A man was stabbed six times in the back by a stranger there (see story below "fake drugs") this week, and on the same street last week a girl was attacked with a barbecue grill.

Fifteen-year sentences for guns and drugs; a guilty plea from Dundalk perv Robert Paul Layton; a witness to the Remington halfway-house murders got 53 years for bank robbery; 13 years were handed down for carjacking and as usual a load of $ fraud: all in a day's work for federal prosecutors & arranged smartly on a page for your reading pleasure.

"Chain of drug allegations is full of links to Orioles"

Murder Conviction for West Belvedere Shooting

A Baltimore City jury convicted Mark Lee Johnson, 26, of the 2600 block of Quantico Avenue, today of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and two counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. The jury heard three days of testimony and deliberated approximately nine hours over two days before reaching a verdict. Judge John N. Prevas scheduled sentencing for November 19, 2007. Johnson faces a maximum of 80 years in prison, 30 years for second degree murder, 30 years for attempted second degree murder and 20 years for the handgun counts. Details:

On January 22, 2006 at approximately 3:30 PM in the 3300 block of West Belvedere Avenue, Johnson approached Antwoine Armstead, 21, and Andre Gibbs, 22 as they were getting into a parked car. Johnson walked to the passenger side of the car and shot Armstead multiple times. Gibbs ran from the car and Johnson shot at him as he ran across West Belvedere Avenue. Armstead suffered seven gunshot wounds and was taken to Sinai hospital where he died a short time later.

Assistant State’s Attorney Joshua Felsen of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

Indictments in Christopher Clark Murder

The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted both Brandon Green, 22, and Jerome Whitaker, 23, of the 3300 block of Ramona Avenue for first-degree murder, attempted murder and handgun charges. Antonio Santifer, 19, of the 3100 block of Cliftmont Avenue was indicted on handgun charges.

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 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.

Life Plus Three Years for Murder & Drugs

At a hearing today, Judge John C. Themelis sentenced Kenneth Mahai of Parkville, MD to life in prison plus three years consecutive for first-degree murder and a weapons count. A Baltimore City jury convicted Mahai August 10, 2007.

On October 21, 2005 the victim, Jermaine Morrison, was released from jail after having served 18 months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Illegal Narcotics in the 1700 block of Nome Street. While Morrison was in jail, the defendant, Kenneth Mahai, began selling drugs in that area. On October 25, 2005, at approximately noon, the two men got into an argument about who had the “right” to sell their illegal narcotics in the 1700 block of Nome Street (now Manor Avenue). As Morrison started to walk down Nome Street, Mahai followed him, confronted him a second time, and stabbed him two times in the chest and once in the arm. Morrison stumbled from the scene and collapsed around the corner on the 1700 block of Malvern. He eventually succumbed to his injuries at Bayview Medical Center.

The State indicted this case twice, once in April 2006 and a second time this year. In December 2006, the State dismissed all charges against Mahai after a witness central to the State’s prosecution was confronted and threatened by an associate of the defendant. Law enforcement was unable to locate that witness and it was learned that the witness fled Maryland to New Jersey. With the assistance of Cumberland County, New Jersey’s Prosecutor’s Office, the State continued to search for the witness, and, after the witness was located, the State indicted Mahai a second time for this murder.

Assistant State’s Attorney E. Wesley Adams prosecuted the case.

September 28

A 43-year-old man was shot in the face in the 2700 block of Tivoly Ave., near Clifton Park in the Coldstream Homestead Montebello neighborhood. His condition is unknown.

Blotter: Police identified Richard Ray, 27, of the 3700 block of Woodbine Ave. as the man stabbed about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday during an argument with another man in the 5200 block of Fairlawn Ave. (not to be confused with Keith Ray found in Wyman Park); Alfred Smith, 56, of the 900 block of N. Arlington Ave. in West Baltimore was identified as the man stabbed about 10 a.m. Wednesday in the 700 block of Appleton St.; an arrest for the murder of Davon Qualls, 17,; a man shot in the foot; a man and woman stabbed in the County.

BMore Civics Essay Questions:

Why did thee Tivoly Ave guy above get his own story, but other assault victims were lumped into the Blotter?

What should the government do for disabled people with rage problems?

Are iPods causing a nationwide crime wave?

"Gov. Martin O'Malley indicated yesterday that he will propose spending $169 million less on public education next year than required under law."
Why would a governor be more beholden to developers than pro-education constituents, though voting education supporters outnumber developers by a factor of thousands?
Do you think his or her plans to run for higher office in the future could affect these priorities?
Why or why not?

"The good news!: "A man determined not to be the victim of a robbery in downtown Baltimore wrestled a gun away from his attacker [Calvin Ray] and shot him three times, city police said."
QTD: "If you want to survive in this town, you need to be good on your feet.” -- community activist David Briggs
(Sorry I almost missed that fab story!).

Reginald Smith, 22, was murdered on a Randallstown playground (or parking lot) apparently by a city resident.

Burn!
"Baltimore County police say a Pikesville man assaulted and robbed an armored truck courier outside an Overlea bank, but the driver of a getaway car took off with the cash and left him behind."

In the County, a guy got 30 years for writing two rubber checks.

Angela Green, a Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer, was indicted along with her boyfriend on September 21 on charges they dealt crack cocaine from the Curtis Bay home they shared.

The death of Robert Rutledge, 40, has been ruled a homicide. Rutledge died of blunt force trauma to the head; he was found injured in an alley in the 2800 block of Parkwood Ave. on the 20th and died two days later at Shock Trauma.

September 27

Brian Fish's last duty as a prosecutor before joining Immigration and Customs Enforcement was the plea agreement in the Melvin Jones case. Fish prosecuted the "Don Papa" Blake case and the "DJ Tommy" bench trial, and we hear he's having goodbye drinks tonight at Mick O'Shea's. So if you're down that way, go thank the tall bald guy for his service!

The man found in Wyman Park was identified as Keith Ray, 24, who apparently died of a bullet wound to the head.
And another man stabbed to death on the street! "Police responding to a report of an injured man in the 600 block of N. Brice St. about 10 a.m. found the man bleeding from at least one stab wound. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died a short time later."

And yet another! A man was stabbed in an alley and died last week, also near Druid Hill Park. "Robert Rutledge, 40, of the 1900 block of Ridgehill Ave., was found injured in an alley in the 2800 block of Parkwood Ave. and died two days later at Maryland Shock Trauma Center." Nice to get the news a week later that some stabby lunatic is on the loose!

"James Watkins claims he and others in Hope Village apartments in East Baltimore were harassed — and some detained — after they tried to record Baltimore police using excessive force."

The extra 'e' is for extra pee: Norris Ford of Dundalk will pay a $ettlement for harassing female employees... and secretly filming them while they were in the bathroom!

New drug slang: "boog suge" (as in booger sugar?)

Another Fake BGE Guy!

"It was 2:45pm Wednesday in a quiet dead end block lined with American flags and flower beds, when a stranger with bad intentions lurked the southwest neighborhood. ... robbers are getting bold and desperate – and they’re willing to try anything. This victim has learned her lesson."

An officer was injured when a fleeing suspect rammed his cruiser, then hit a house around Greenmount Avenue and 25th Street. (Thanks galt)

In Bel Air, the woman who gave a toddler his mom's methadone and didn't call medics was found guilty of manslaughter. She claims she thought the synthentic opiate cocktail was actually "strawberry juice."
(Which actually does exist, it turns out... Trader Joe's sells it!)

Jemini Jones beat two sets of rape charges, now the FOP says our tax $ should pay his legal bills.

September 26

A demented 79-year-old man murdered his 81-year-old wife, Virginia Jones, then died before police could charge him.

A man was stabbed to death on the street at 6:30 p.m. in the 5200 block of Fairlawn Ave.

Fox news reported that another mystery body has been found in the Northern, this one in Wyman Park near the 700 block of Wyman Park Drive. No reports online however. Nobody tell this douche!
(Thanks non -- I turned on non comments in your honor.)

The Ink covers murders from September 10-23 with names and details.

The good news! City police have new schedule, and it'll be the "first time in 50 years that police won't be working six days on, two days off. Instead they will change to a four-day workweek with longer hour shifts." They also get a 5% pay raise. Progress!

Joseph McInnis Jr., 39, of the 3500 block of Elmley Ave. in Northeast Baltimore has been charged with first-degree rape in the 1984 incident and first-degree murder in a 1987 killing after being linked with DNA. And early release for a former cop who liked to "groom" young boys.

The ACLU is suing the MD State police for withholding records related to a racial profiling lawsuit.

Bmore living tip: don't leave cash money in your car.

In AAC murder charges were dropped against Lamal Wise, 18, after a witness Dontay Williams was murdered.

25 Years for First-Degree Murder

At a hearing late today Timothy Izzard, 50, of the 3000 block of Lanvale St. pled guilty to first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon (an unknown sharp object). Judge Althea Handy sentenced Izzard to life in prison with all but 25 years suspended. (Meaning he'll potenially be eligible for parole in 18 years and 9 months). The gory details:

At 9:30 a.m. December 23, 2006 Izzard was driving Freddie Thornton’s car and crashed it in Anne Arundel County and attempted to identify himself as the victim using the victim’s identification. After admitting to police he was not Thornton he was found to be a suspended driver and police issued Izzard traffic tickets and released him. At approximately noon the same day a citizen found the dead body of Freddie Thornton, 69, in Leakin Park. He had been stabbed 37 times and was wearing only his boxer shorts. Baltimore police identify Izzard as the suspect and arrest him December 27, 2006. Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Phelps, of the Homicide Division, prosecuted this case.

September 25

What a weaselly papist!
"As Maryland gays mourned Tuesday’s high court ruling upholding a ban on same-sex marriage, some said they were equally stunned and upset by the remarks of Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley, who in private, had repeatedly assured plaintiffs in the case that he supports gay unions. After this week’s ruling, O’Malley said he backs civil unions as a compromise. Further, he invoked his Catholic religious beliefs, in a reference to 'the sacraments.'"

Cue banjos: a shooting suspect led police on a chase that ended in Herring Run Park.


Awww! Colin Jackson, the Crofton boy who was kidnapped by his "father" was reunited with his mom after a librarian in Swain County, NC, recognized him.

Remember this story? Vernon Brown and his cousin, Learnold Jones, robbed a Perry Hll Super Fresh, Jones fled to a nearby shed, then shot Officer David Garner, and was shot and killed himself. Now Brown has pled guilty in exchange for various charges being dropped.

A Russian teen pled guilty to an identity theft scheme.

If you've been following the whole Keith Washington story in PGC, the latest revelation is that he was "placed on restricted duty for more than a year in the mid-1990s after doctors and department officials determined that his inability to handle the stress of regular police work made him a potential danger."

Stomach-turning pervs In Hagtown dept: John Quebedeaux, 34, was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl while she was sleeping.

Stop the presses! This just in!:

Baltimore Sun Report
On a recent weekday, Wit Kosicki enjoyed the view of Evitts Mountain as his wife received a massage inside the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort.

September 24

"Mayor Sheila Dixon's former campaign chairman, Dale Clark, has pleaded guilty in Anne Arundel County to three counts of willful failure to file income tax returns for 2002, 2003, and 2004 ... Clark first made news in the ethics probe surrounding the mayor. His company billed nearly $600,000 to the city without a contract. Dixon's office has admitted to a major oversight in that matter."

The Hampden dead body was a white guy killed by blunt-force trauma. #225 according to the Sun, #234 to those who know better.

Not again: Three inmates at the city Detention Center were stabbed during a fight yesterday.

Crazed Rednecks!! Dept
Essexer Perry Webb, 18, was arrested in Bowleys Quarters for "gunplay" outside of a Wal-Mart that sent a woman to the hospital.

Melville Mason, 29, scored drugs, took city police on a ride to Sykesville, rammed a cruiser, was tear-gassed at grandma's, wound up arrested. All in a day's work y'all!

Biters! The Examiner's "Baltimore Police Blotter" compiles crime stories from local media reports.

The good news from the Wally Jay:

the majority of law-school graduates are suffering from a supply-and-demand imbalance that's suppressing pay and job growth. The result: Graduates who don't score at the top of their class are struggling to find well-paying jobs to make payments on law-school debts that can exceed $100,000. Some are taking temporary contract work, reviewing documents for as little as $20 an hour, without benefits ... A slack in demand appears to be part of the problem. The legal sector, after more than tripling in inflation-adjusted growth between 1970 and 1987, has grown at an average annual inflation-adjusted rate of 1.2% since 1988.

There's always an opening in the State's Attorney's Office, kids!

September 23

Another dead body was found in Hampden. Should it go on the list?
...and we still haven't discovered the identity or cause of death of the other Hampden body found on July 30 (see #217).

How neglected are MD's juvenile justice facilities? "teenagers sleeping in shallow plastic bins on hallway floors"

A big bust in the SW netted guns that were coming in from Sykesville in exchange for crack.
Love that "fresh from the teleprompter" style!
Quote Of The Day: "The mayor has to get a handle on whatever she gone do.” -- Nadine Spann from the SW

Runner-up: "This was not a stupid Baltimore City jury.” -- defense attorney Linwood Hedgepeth on the aquittal of Zukael Stephens

HedOTD: "MD Teen Hate In Sikh Beatings?" - WBALz

In Columbia, HoCo, Christopher Scott Meckles, 45, shot his domestic partner, Inez Smith, in the knee.

More details on George Jenkins' guilty verdict (this was the guy who got five years for attempted murder, and shot his vitcim's brother, Demithrius Nushon Spears, upon release), this is a noteworthy story because it's a revision from the 8/21 featuring the first crime-story correction I have ever seen in the Sun-- very unusual.

A man robbed of $10.25 in the Western, a man attcked and kicked in the head in the Southern, stolen stuff, plus Pizza Hut employees robbed by a man with a wooden pole in the Blotter.

The good news: there's less human trafficking and sex slavery in the US than Dateline NBC might have led you to believe. Bad news, there have still been 1,362 victims in the past seven years. The only case in MD since 2003 was Javier Miguel Ramirez of Hyattsville, accused of pimping a 15-year-old girl.

This stupidity again: County Councilman Vince Gardina wants a bill to require that pit bulls to be kept in wire-mesh enclosures and muzzled when in public. Why this is stupid, let us count the ways:
1. any dog can be dangerous; in 2000 a California a baby was mauled to death by a Pomeranian,
2. according to the CDC, the deadliest dog attacks are actually carried out by Rottweilers and
3. A dog's breed can be impossible to prove (are we going to only allow AKC certified housepets?) making any breed-specific legislation unenforceable. Q.E.D.

September 22

Monae Gorham, shot eight years ago at age 16, has died from her injuries.

The men shot and killed last Sunday "in broad daylight as an afternoon church service was getting out" were id'd as Channing Myrick, 26, and Deion Morris, 23.
Reddy: "Northeast Baltimore overall has had 29 homicides this year, compared with 13 at this time last year."

A federal judge in Maryland unsealed a grand jury indictment yesterday charging Steven Abiodun Sodipo, age 51, of Forest Hill, and Callixtus Onigbo Nwaehiri, age 49, of Jarrettsville, with illegally selling 9,936,075 pills or dosage units of hydrocodone (aka Vicodin) over the Internet, and other charges.

What the?! "Reported chlamydia cases in Maryland jumped by 57 percent from 1997 to 2006." The city is, of course, the state's crotch-rot capital.

Charges Dropped Against Chaz Ricks, Zukael T. Stephens

DNA testing has excluded the once-alleged Roland Park rapist.

Zukael T. Stephens, charged with beating transgender activist Marcus Rogers to death and then setting his Mid-Town Belvedere apartment on fire, was acquitted yesterday by a jury of all charges. Stephens had previously been released when a prosecutor mistakenly dropped all charges.*

20 Years for Cold-Blooded Murder

At a hearing today, Judge Barry Williams sentenced Joshua Mills, 21, of the 2500 block of Winchester Street to 20 years in prison for the second-degree murder of Antwon Torain. Mills pled guilty January 30, 2007. Details:

On March 23, 2007 Judge Williams sentenced co-defendants Farrakhan Jenkins, 22, of the 700 block of Payson Street, and Tavon Coleman, 20, of the 500 block of North Brice Street, to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit first degree murder for their roles in the murder of Mr. Torain. The murder occurred on November 27, 2005 in the area of the 700 block of N. Payson Street. The victim had locked himself out of his car and asked the defendants for help in getting into his car. The defendants instead tried to sell the victim drugs. As a result of this conversation, the defendants got into an argument with the victim. Jenkins grabbed the victim and Coleman said something to the effect of “shoot the victim.” Mills responded to this request by shooting the victim in the head and the neck. The victim died of these gunshot wounds.

Assistant State’s Attorney Sam Yee of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

Weinstein, Prevas = as Annoyed as Everyone Else

"A WYPR review of law-enforcement records shows that many accused killers have already been convicted of violent crimes, and got out on suspended sentences. Of last year's 180 accused killers, a majority were guilty: Murder One, second degree murder, manslaughter, or lesser crimes. Many, however, still had parts of their sentences suspended. Jason Weinstein, the U.S. attorney's Violent Crimes chief, thinks that defeats the purpose of law enforcement."

This is why Rod's hot: "A federal grand jury indicted 39 defendants in an international money laundering case that includes one person accused of concealing terrorist financing."

Friday 21 September

It should be the astonishing part -- but, of course, it isn't -- but this is the second time that George Jenkins "has been convicted of shooting a member of the same family." The second time? Too bad he wasn't already in jail, but he's going now: sentencing on Nov 8th after "guilty verdicts of first-degree murder and use of a handgun in a crime of violence, prosecutors said."

Thomas J Grant's fate, up in the air yesterday, is settled today: guilty.

Marvin "Escapee" Jordan is back in Maryland today after being extradited from South Carolina. Y'know, for a guy who is good at escaping, he really needs to concentrate on his mad "not being found" skillz.

Matricide(!!!!) in Calvert!!!! Stuffed her "ill" mother into the trunk of her car ... and didn't take her to the hospital? And y'know, why not like, the front seat or something? (I wonder how long it took police to crack her story? Thirty seconds?) This is the second murder for the year for Calvert County. I wonder if they even have homicide detectives. Maybe they have one. He relaxes in a big leather recliner at the station reading Elmore Leonard paperbacks and drinking giant mugs of slightly warm milk and dreaming of the day when the secretary will lean in the door and tell him that he's got a murder on his hands (because, lately, all she does is ask him if he can run out and pick up lunch for everybody, because he's got nothing else better to do except age).

What's with all the motorcycle deaths lately? This one in Lutherville, at the intersection of Rork and Ridgely Road. (I think ABC2 meant "York", as I am unaware of a 'Rork' road anywhere...)

That hit-and-run driver who killed Anthony Blake has been arrested, although not yet identified. UPDATE: He's now ID'd as 38-year-old William Lentz of Orpington Road.

Zukael T. Stephens, 29, had been on trial on charges of the first degree murder of Marcus Rogers (a transgender activist) and arson from October 11th of last year in a 7th floor apartment down on St. Paul. I say "had been" because the jury acquitted Stephens of all charges.

Wanted for a sexual assault against a 14-year old girl in Ellicott City last month, a forty-two year old kid toucher, Fermin Mejia, was arrested in North Carolina by Federal Marshal Fugitive hunters.

Thursday, Night

Annapolis police are looking for a man presumed dangerous following an assault Wednesday night. He's armed with -- of all things -- a barbeque grill. (What, he couldn't get his hands on a gun?)

An irresponsible driver -- really, is there another kind of driver around these parts? -- pulled a hit and run and killed Anthony Banks in Woodlawn. "Police say the driver didn't offer any help or call police before leaving the scene." Maybe, when the driver is behind bars, the prison guards will fail to offer help or call backup when he's screaming while being ass raped. Hey, it's a thought.

It's like something out of James Bond, except I'm sure that Double-Oh Seven would never ever actually come to Maryland.

Onaje Adarryl Harris and George Surgeon have been identified by police as suspects in the shotgun shooting of a twenty-four year old man last week. Harris was arrested yesterday, and I'm wondering if Surgeon was running around Baltimore this morning with his shotgun loaded with birdshot?

There's an O's fan protest set for Monday. Presumeably, they're out to show their anger at the team's rather lousy record. Meanwhile, old cynical me wonders how many of them showed up to vote in the city primary September 11th, how many plan to show up to vote in the city elections in November, and how many care more about Wild Bill Hagy's death than they do for the sykrocketing murder rate.

Update: Johns Gone Wild!

After posting this link to the "Baltimore Sex Guide," blogger AngerHangover has enjoyed torrents of e-mail abuse from "Johns" (most of which isn't posted) and makes a very good point about the "victimless crime" argument:

The prostitution problem is a major quality of life problem for regular people who have it infecting their blocks. It also present a big safety issue as well. People don't consider that johns do get out of their cars and do knock on the wrong door (mine), as do aggressive drug dealers looking to collect debt from these prostitutes. I'd really hate for some tragic event to occur in order for some light to be shed on the "victimless crime" problem.

ps. another site also tells you how to find drugs! (Via Carol Ott's blog)

Twelve Years for Computer Thief

At a hearing today, Judge Lynn K. Stewart sentenced Gregg Wakefield, 37, of the 2400 block of Pickering Drive, to 12 years in prison. Wakefield pled guilty July 11, 2007 to two counts of second-degree burglary. Judge Stewart ordered that the 12-years be served consecutively to a three-year sentence Wakefield received on a fraud violation of probation last month. Wakefield also faces three-years for a violation of probation for a case pending in Baltimore County. Details:

In May and December 2006, Wakefield, an employee of Prime Net - an IT contractor for Johns Hopkins Hospital, crawled through the vents of the Weinberg cancer building to gain access to the main computer room. He disconnected and stole network equipment taking the building’s computer network down on both occasions. Total loss for Johns Hopkins Hospital was approximately $113,000. Wakefield then sold the equipment over the internet for approximately $18,000. Surveillance video recorded Wakefield as he went into and left the building and his photo was posted on the hospital campus. Prime Net cooperated with investigators after realizing he was involved and turned him in.

Thursday, 20 September

We're now at #232 -- an-as-yet unidentified man beaten to death on his 40th birthday. His friend, also attacked, is expected to survive.

A seventy year old man (shot in the back by some coward) remains in critical condition. (Note: since when does BCPD have 'agents'?)

A shooting, a robbery, and a synagogue.

WARNING! DICK CHENEY IS ON THE LOOSE IN BALTIMORE! WARNING! Ok, ok, I couldn't resist. Actually, a mass-shooting (five people!) by someone with a shotgun loaded with birdshot (no fatalities). Certainly, Mr. Cheney's M.O.

His DNA "wouldn't let him" get away any longer, and twenty-eight years later, Thomas J. Grant's fate is in the hands of the jury on the question of his guilt regarding the death of Sheila Bazemore Rascoe.

That Liberian child rapist in MoCo is set to be deported.

Mayor Sheila Dixon was in New York City yesterday -- no doubt feeling very safe, since, after all, it's a much safer city than Balmer -- talking to her counterpart there about firearms and joining NY's gun-lawsuit.

More crime at the University of Maryland College Park, this time, a "brazen carjacking" at Easton Hall.

Last -- certainly not least! True irony has to be a john posting on a website dedicated to swapping stories and info of streetwalkers 'I say to the citizens of Baltimore City Lk 23:34 "forgive them, they know not what they do"' regarding the morality of Baltimore City. Um. Look in a mirror much? If I were a vice-cop, I'd be trolling through (Warning: Unsafe for Home OR Work!) this website to hunt johns coming into the city for a little action. It's a quality of life issue and, I suppose, a minor one compared to the murder rate, but if there's one thing certain, it's that Baltimore could use some improvement in its "quality of life." C'mon johns, really: Lefty Lisa and Righty Rosie are safer and cheaper than streetwalkers. Plus, LL & RR come with those great gifts of "no need for a get out of jail" *or!* "How do I explain to my wife how she got six STDs?" cards. (Website found courtesy of the greater Baltimore blogosphere.)

UPDATES:

Three people -- two Frederickians and a Gaithersburgan -- stewing in jail for the 2005 murder of David Lee (also of Frederick), who "was shot to death in July 2005 to keep him silent." Keep him silent? Silent about what? Damn uninformative article! More info at the Frederick News-Post.

Witnesses: 0; Intimidators: yet another

This just in from the powers that be:

Judge Robert Kershaw declared a mistrial today in the attempted murder and witness intimidation trial of Victor Shuron, 30, of the 2300 block of Seamon Ave., and Yosef Winston-Bey, 27, of the unit block of Dunvale Rd. The jury had been deliberating this case for approximately one day when the court received a note from the jury forewoman stating that one of the jurors "has a concern". The note, discussed in open court, said that as the juror was at the bus stop following court yesterday that the juror saw "two of the men who were in the courtroom during the time of the trial pointed her out and it scared her." She told the court that "she doesn't want to vote on the charges..."

Court documents allege that on November 27, 2006 Shuron got out of a car driven by Winston-Bey in the 2800 block of Greenmount Ave. and shot the victim, a witness in a Baltimore County felony case, as he sat in a car parked in the Waverly Shopping Center.

A new trial date of December 13, 12007 (sic) has been set.

Huh. Sadly, I can't even say that I blame her.

Fucking terrorism, that's what we're dealing with here.

Wednesday, 19 September

The Morgan State student shot to death Monday (previously known as No. 230) has been identified as Richard Asare, 24, of Montgomery County.

Marvin Jordan, twice-escaped convict recently re-captured by police in South Carolina, became unescaped when "an alert jail guard noticed the glasses had been taped up and found the [handcuff] key."

An attempted child-napping of a 7th grader in the county averted earlier this month makes the news ... two weeks later. Really, though, shouldn't anyone driving around a school with no shirt on be considered predatory?

A shooting in Hazz - erm, Harford - County involving Aberdeen police and an AWOL Army soldier who started waving a gun around. What's with all the crazy soldiers lately?

I guess it's ... something. Right?

Eduardo Raul Morales-Soriano pleaded guilty to his involvement in the alcohol-related crash that killed a Marine corporal and his date last Thanksgiving.

Oh, well, maybe closing these loopholes might be a start, right? Since, y'know, allowing murderers and other violent predatory types to wander free so you can make a few extra bucks is, um, pretty fucking low, yeah?

Muy Loco? No guno! Something tells me the criminal element will continue to find firepower, however.

LATEDATE:

"All charges dropped" against the Oh-Cee lady with all the dead fetuses in her yard.

It's all a fun game of innocent, harmless (snortle) pranks ... until the po-po decide you're going to foot the bill.

Last -- certainly not least! True irony has to be a john posting on a website dedicated to swapping stories and info of streetwalkers 'I say to the citizens of Baltimore City Lk 23:34 "forgive them, they know not what they do"' regarding the morality of Baltimore City. Um. Look in a mirror much? If I were a vice-cop, I'd be trolling through this website to hunt johns coming into the city for a little action. It's a quality of life issue and, I suppose, a minor one compared to the murder rate, but if there's one thing certain, it's that Baltimore could use some improvement in its "quality of life." C'mon johns, really: Lefty Lisa and Righty Rosie are safer and cheaper than streetwalkers. Plus, LL & RR come with those great gifts of "no need for a get out of jail" *or!* "How do I explain to my wife how she got six STDs?" cards.

Spineless Judges Uphold Same-Sex Marriage Ban

... and the ruling is as confused as Ricky Martin's girlfriend.

Darryl Halsey Indicted for Murder

The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Darryl Halsey, 26, of the 4200 block of Sheldon Avenue for first-degree murder. Court documents allege that Darryl Halsey was responsible for an incident on May 16, 2007 when Earl Sonny Cornish, 21, was found suffering from gunshot wounds in the 500 block of Chateau Avenue. Halsey allegedly walked up to Cornish in the unit block of Chateau Avenue struck him in the face, displayed a handgun and shot Cornish in the back following an argument with a female acquaintance of Halsey. Cornish died later at Sinai Hospital. An arraignment is scheduled for October 15, 2007 before Judge Albert J. Matricciani, Room 252, Courthouse East. Assistant State’s Attorney Don Giblin will prosecute the case.

Los federales nab crack dealer, gun-toting Blood, Hagtown pervert, California man who left trailers of asbestos in Severna Park, crooked accountant, a coke supplier to the "Lester Fletcher Drug Organization."

September 18

Two people were killed yesterday: An MSU student was murdered on E. Cold Spring Ln. at 10:45 yesterday morning, and a man in Cherry Hill was fatally shot at 11:30 last night. And not to stir up the pot of racism (and alleged racism) that bubbles here so frequently, but if a JHU student got killed at 10:45 on a Monday morning on N. Charles St., would his death be relegated to two paragraphs on the second page of an article about the escalating murder rate?

Three Sun reporters dig up more on the two domestic killings in Baltimore County over the weekend.

Good news for PG criminals who don't give a damn about UM: In the search for a serial kisser/fondler/rapist, "there are more police per square foot in College Park than virtually any area in Prince George's County."

In the Blotter, stolen beer and an arrest in Christopher Clarke's murder.

Eight months? That's outrageous, even by Baltimore standards.

Another Baltimore jury gets a chance to prove their wisdom, as they deliberate the witness intimidation case against Victor Shuron and Yusef Winston-Bey.

God bless you and your free speech, Mr. Keegan: "If Dixon continues to be nothing more than a machine stooge feeding the tax-fed kleptocracy for friends, relatives and contributors as the only ones who 'Get In On It,' Baltimore will sink. If she continues turning Baltimore into a school-free drug zone, residents the city needs most will flee."

A local blog recounts a robbery of two clubgoers near Pratt and S. Exeter.

At a hearing today Judge David Ross sentenced Anthony Whitley, 29, of Edgewood, MD to 15 years in prison, first five years without the possibility of parole, for two counts each of robbery deadly weapon, first and second degree assault, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence and conspiracy to commit robbery deadly weapon. The details:

On December 14, 2005 at approximately 7:45 p.m. two men armed with handguns entered the management office of the Lockwood Garage, 124 Market Place. They duct-taped the manager’s hands to his head and held a woman, nine months pregnant, at gunpoint. They proceeded to remove more than $24,000 from a safe. A coat with one of the guns used in the robbery was found in a stairwell at the garage after the robbery and DNA tests from the coat matched Whitley. Additionally, a duffle bag with a coin box and deposit bags taken from the robbery were located in front of a motel located a mile from Whitley’s house in Harford County. Whitley’s fingerprints were found on that coin box. A co-defendant in this case, Darryl Williams, is scheduled for trial October 29, 2007. Assistant State’s Attorney Michelle Martin of the General Trial Division prosecuted this case.

September 17

A fatal shooting by Baltimore City police officers: an unidentified man, #25 shot by police this year (and was the tenth to die). Related: "As violence in city increases, so does use of guns by officers." (See yesterday's comments. --Ed.)

I don't get why they didn't just rob the bank anyway -- y'know, since they were like, right outside -- but it really doesn't matter: the HowCoPoPo popped 'em up right quick. (Maybe the bank is one of those silly ones without weekend hours).

There's a pretty full blotter today.

And, while not Baltimore related: OJ Simpson, back in jail, I'm bettin' he's going to vow to spend the rest of his life tracking down the "real" robber.

If the underage criminal element in the city and its surrounding areas aren't enough to convince kids to lead a clean, honest life, perhaps we could scare 'em straight by taking them for a tour of Maryland's unclean youth offender facilities?

Running a red light may seem like the most minor crime ever, but when it causes you to run into an ambulance, it earns a mention.


Dead dogs and groin bites: to add injury to injury, the victim's dog then got run over by someone at the scene. "Who cares about Pee-Gee?" you say? But dog attacks happen in Balmer, too.

And, speaking of motorcycle crashes, -- and because of the job he wanted to do -- police recruit Ruben Renta died, he "was speeding and not wearing a helmet ... lost control of his motorcycle, crashing into a road sign on the 2300 block of Hanson Road in Edgewood, according to the Harford Sheriff’s Department." So, listen: motorcyclers? Always wear your helmet, and don't run red lights (the latter applies to all drivers).

September 16

Three more murders. The unid'd man killed yesterday was identified as Brian Smith-Hopkins. Also, reports JZ:
- At 11:38 p.m. Saturday night, Tyrone Jones, 26, was shot and killed on the 1500 block of North Woodyear. He was pronounced dead at Shock Trauma.
- At 4:30 p.m. Sunday, two men were shot on the 3400 block of Belair Road. Both were pronounced dead at area hospitals.

Antoine Skipwith, who "walked off from the Baltimore City Correctional Center," robbed a bank customer in HoCo with a buddy, then drove his car into a ditch.

How can this article about police shootings not mention the fact that the department is still understaffed by some 200-300 officers? Doesn't it seem pretty obvious that understaffing puts officers in life-threatening, backup-less situations more often, not to mention leaving more criminals out there?
Instead it blames everything from police training to gangs to O'Malley. Huh?

September 15

Three homicides "last night" (so it's unclear if these were Friday or Saturday):

• John J. Christen, 20, shot multiple times in the Top Shelf Lounge at about 1 a.m. in the 200 block of Fredhilton Pass


• Unidentified adult male with a gunshot wound to the torso, 2300 block of East Oliver Street, 11:10 a.m.


• Qafim Kaba, 29, stabbed to death, the 2500 block of Terra Firma Road in Cherry Hill

In the County, in addition to the Cranbourne road muder/suicide, another asshole-male domestic in Essex, a man shot by his lover's jilted swain.

Friday Night

Galt says there was a man shot in the head at Harford & Homestead St. last night at about 10 pm. No links yet to any stories.

A murder-suicide tonight at 1904 Cranbourne Road in Timonium has left two children orphaned. The wife had a restraining order against her husband, but he violated it. Obviously.

Police say two teens were stabbed while riding an MTA bus in southwest Baltimore this afternoon while the bus was coming from Walbrook High School.

WTF? Four sex attacks in 40 minutes in College Park. Police say the suspect is a white male, 5'9", 160 pounds, who always strikes between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and doesn't force his way in but finds unlocked doors and windows. The think he has hit nine times prior to this.

Checking the markets now, pot prices surged in all regions and sectors last quarter, and trading remains heavy on the Maryland Exchange with local prices climbing to $420 an ounce for "Poolesville Train Wreck."
And cocaine prices are expected to continue to surge over the New York Q1 average price of $30,000 a kilo wholesale as the imprisoned Diego Montoya's rivals and lieutenants fight for their share of the world's largest market, which observers expect to fracture into smaller, less efficient operations. "Authorities doubt any would-be cartel leader can maintain his 250-strong private army," the "Machos."

"The Washington and Baltimore field offices of the FBI, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Department; the Montgomery County, Maryland, Police Department; and Loudoun County, Virginia, Police Department arrested 18 individuals and conducted 12 searches as part of a methamphetamine trafficking investigation."

September 14

An inmate stabbed a guard at Jessup last night.

Blotter's got the shootings:
A man in his 30s was being treated at a hospital after he was shot in the neck by an assailant in the first block of N. Ellamont St. near Gwynns Falls Parkway about 2:15 a.m. yesterday, and in the Eastern, "shortly before 3 a.m. yesterday police responding to a report of a shooting in the 2800 block of E. Federal St., near Baltimore Cemetery, found a 20-year-old man lying in the street and bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds. He was treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital and admitted. His condition was not available, and no arrest had been made."

Another new low for the White House: they're threatening to take away the only U.S. Attorney we've ever loved and hide his gorgeous suits under a judge-burka!
I HATE YOU SO MUCH GEORGE!!!

A man convicted of sexually abusing his ex-girlfriend’s 6-year-old daughter is entitled to a new trial, the Court of Special Appeals held, finding that the judge at Frederick Roscoe Coates’ first trial erred in admitting statements the girl made to a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (“SAFE”) nurse.

After a challenge from the Attorney General's office, Eastern Correctional Institution has changed its policy on inmate reading materials and will lift an all-out ban on a white supremacist newsletter and distribute copies if they're in line with department policy. No word on when or if the jailbirds will get their "Maxim."
(...speaking of the Eastern Institutions, we're totally jazzed about this!)

In Elkton, 20-year-old Matthew Blackburn pleaded guilty to first-degree murder charges in a shooting that prosecutors say was the result of a robbery disguised as a drug deal.

Councilman Jack Young: "We need to have a dialogue about taking the profit motive out of drug dealing and ending the so-called war on drugs."

Police Seeking Pistol-Whipper

Baltimore City are searching for Damian Knight, a dangerous suspect wanted for pistol-whipping and shooting at a woman after she wouldn't give him her phone number. He was last seen with braids, but may be sporting a different hairdo now (right).
He may also be going by the name Donta Carter.

Nine Months of Ankle Bracelet for Horticulturalist

The ordeal of city pot grower Joseph Guadagnoli is over. You’ll recall that May 8 after a 9-month investigation, Federal, County, and city task forces raided Guadagnoli’s home and garage in the 6400 block of Glenoak Avenue in Hamilton and claimed to find some $230,000 worth of wacky terbacky growing there. The investigation began when undercover state police officers witnessed Guadagnoli enter a store called “Maryland Hydroponics” in Laurel. Officers ran Guadagnoli's license plate and found that he lived in Baltimore City and had priors for possession of marijuana, and began observing his house and collecting his trash. A trash inspection found a pot stem in a vacuum cleaner bag. A warrant was obtained and a raid conducted on May 8.

Guadagnoli received a five-year sentence with all but 9 months suspended, which he is serving at home with an ankle bracelet. His wife was also charged and received Probation Before Judgment. In spite of the previous reports, sources say Guadagnoli actually had less than $20,000 worth of marijuana seized (about 3 pounds? What's the going rate for an ounce these days?).

September 13

Carl Lackl's mom, Marge Shipley, talks to the Sun, and it sounds like the SA's office is confirming (via not exactly denying) her shocking allegations that her son was informed that his life was in danger with a form letter, which Shipley says Lackl never recieved.

Brandon Green, 22, and Jerome Whitaker, 23, were arrested and charged with the murder of Christopher Clarke, killed March 13 in the 3100 block of Cliftmont Ave. Clarke was apparently just walking by when the two black rednecks got into a gunfight. Rodricks deems Clarke's death an example of "generational suicide" (huh?).

Also, two men, ages 19 and 21, were shot about 2 p.m. yesterday in the 4000 block of Franklin St. and a man, 19, was sitting on the front porch of a house in the 600 block of McCabe Ave. about 11:45 p.m. Tuesday when an unknown man standing across the street shot him in the left leg.

Me Want Money Woman!
On September 3, "man asked woman for money after she parked car, then punched her in the face and stole the car."
If I lived in Waverly, I would be PO'd to hear about this 10 days later. Shouldn't the whole point of the local news be to inform residents about random stuff like this so they can be wary? Or should every city resident just get a flier when they move in to keep on the fridge:

Welcome to Baltimore! Thanks for buying here!
Whether your street is lined with trees or rat corpses, there are some risks that all city residents should be aware of:

People who approach your car

People who knock on your door

Testifying in criminal trials

Calling police about drug dealing on your street

Males who show interest in your children

Parking your car on the street

Walking or driving near people who are arguing

Opening the windows in your car or home

Purchasing narcotics

You'll find that by simply avoiding these risks, you can have a safe and pleasant Baltimore living experience! Enjoy your new home!

Arrested Peoples
A man suspected of an attempted armed robbery at West North Avenue and Ashburton Street about noon yesterday was captured after he fired at least one shot at pursuing police. No officers were hit and none returned fire. And two men were shot in unrelated incidents, one in the first block of N. Ellamont St. at about 2:15 a.m., another in the 2800 block of E. Federal St. in East Baltimore. Their names and conditions are not known.

More on George Robert Chaney, the murderer who was out enjoying a suspended sentence when he robbed a bank: "Chaney pleaded guilty in April [of what year it doesn't say... this year? 1993?] to second-degree murder for the 1993 killing of Mary Ann Fisher, who was found strangled with a telephone cord under her bed in the Perkins Homes public housing project in Southeast Baltimore."

Darrell Tyrone Avery, 22, was arrested for murdering Diekia T. Davis, 21, sometime between September 8 -10 in the Comfort Inn in Catonsville. Police are asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious there to call detectives.

Perverts:
"William Edward Wray, II, age 50, of Crespatown, Maryland, pleaded guilty [Sept. 12] to two counts of sexually exploiting a minor to produce child pornography."

Roderick Gene Parks, age 42, of Berlin, Maryland, was sentenced to 30 years in prison Sept. 12 followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sexually exploiting a minor to produce child pornography. What worse, Parks has AIDS and the boy must now have yearly HIV tests.

In PGC, Jafet Hernandez got life for raping a woman as she was on her way home from a Riverdale park bus stop.

Jablow Gets a Real Job!

Contrary to the rumors, Jablow, formerly MD's Most Useless Public Relator, will now be producing America's Most Wanted. Vozzella:

So America's Most Wanted viewers should expect to see lots of Baltimore cases, right? Wrong. Charm City has more than its share of crime, but generally not the kind that makes for good TV. Fugitive drug lords, serial killers, missing children - that's entertainment. Drug dealers popping other drug dealers, not so much. Said Jablow: "They're looking for really compelling narratives."

(Wow, way to massage a quote for the 'happy' ending!)

Lackl Mom Livid at SA's Office

Carl Lackl's mom is on Ed Norris saying that the State's Attorney's office never informed him that he was in danger, much less reached out and offered protection. The State's Attorney's office claimed that they sent a letter, Lackl's mom says that he never got it.
"They destroyed his life, they destroyed his baby's life."
"I want them to admit that they court system really sucks. That they let people who shoot people out of jail ... they cost me my son by their stupidity, and now [the State's Attorney's office is] blaming the victim."

September 12

It's official, thanks in part to an abysmal turnout, Dixon and Stuffame Galling-Flake will be leading whoever's left in Baltimore into the future. At least opium production is up in Afghanistan so we can dull our pain on the cheap.

This week's Ink names victims, updates stories, adds stats about how things have been since the duo above have been in charge:

• "So far, 18 females have been murdered this year in the city; 10 of those murders took place in the last three months" and "at least eight" women have been charged with 2007 homicides.


• There have been 20 juveniles murdered this year since September 8


• Last week marked the 25th police-involved shooting this year; nine of the shootings were fatal.

This week brought the 26th ... or is it 27th? police shooting, this one shortly after 3 a.m. on Park Heights Avenue. The "victim," who pointed a gun at an officer, survived.

A doozy of a blotter; in addition to the usual robberies, stolen cars and burglaries:

Northwestern
Arrest // Following a nearly month-long investigation, district drug enforcement unit officers armed with a search and seizure warrant yesterday raided a house in the 3300 block of Elgin Ave. and arrested a man on drug distribution and deadly weapon charges. When officers entered through the front door by force, the man tried to escape. Sgt. Ronald Beverly, head of the unit, said officers entered the house about 4 p.m. and that a search resulted in the finding of a quantity of cocaine valued at $12,000 hidden in various rooms. Found hidden under the floor boards of a second-floor room was an unloaded 9 mm Israeli-made Uzi machine pistol and 50 rounds of armor-piercing ammunition, Beverly said. He said the suspect, Artis Dirton, 28, of that address, fled to the roof but was captured. Beverly said Dirton was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm and was being held at Central Booking and Intake Center. Beverly said an investigation showed that drugs were being distributed from the house to dealers in Southwest and Northwest Baltimore.

Robbery try/shooting // A male, 18, was standing the rear yard of his home in the 4300 block of Groveland Ave. about 2:30 p.m. Monday when a gunman approached and demanded his money. When the victim resisted, the gunman shot him in the left leg then fled. The victim was treated at Sinai Hospital.

Northern
Shooting // A man, 21, was reported in good condition at Maryland Shock Trauma Center after he was shot in the back, the head and a leg by an unknown assailant about 9 p.m. Monday in the 700 block of Beaumont Ave. Police said the man was a walk-in patient at Good Samaritan Hospital, where his condition was stabilized before he was transferred to shock-trauma for emergency back surgery.

Southeastern
Stabbings // Two brothers, 36 and 44, were walking in the 400 block of S. Newkirk St. about 2:15 a.m. Sunday when they became involved in an argument with two other males. During the argument, one brother was stabbed in the back and the other was stabbed in the stomach. Both brothers were treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital and were listed in fair condition. No arrests had been made.

Family of Isaiah Simmons III, who died after six counselors at Bowling Brook Preparatory School near Taneytown allegedly held him down for three hours, are asking the state for a single trial for all six defendants.

Gabby County circuit judge Bruce Sewell Lamdin (remember him?) may be suspended for his off-the-cuff commentary.

A potty-mouthed mom reports that a cashier and security guard at the White Marsh (Nottingham) Wal-Mart accused her of abducting her own child. She ran home and notified the media, naturally.

Awkward! "Some fifth-graders at Glenn Dale Elementary School in Prince George's County thought they were going to watch "Star Wars" on DVD, but instead, they got a glimpse of a pornographic movie."
... why are fifth-graders watching "Star Wars" at school?!

If you were alarmed to hear a scratchy Amber Alert break into the evening's 6 p.m. 'Simpsons' episode, don't worry, the one-year-old has been found.

Two Years for Hit-and-Run Driver, Murder Indictments

Today Judge Allen L. Schwait sentenced Keionna Baker, 27, of Waterspout Court in Owings Mills, MD to five years, all but two years suspended in the hoosegow, and three years supervised probation after a city jury convicted Baker July 2, 2007 of leaving the scene of an accident where serious bodily injury resulted. Details:

On July 30, 2004 at approximately 10:00 p.m. the victim, Doreen Winters, 49, and her husband were crossing the 900 block of East North Avenue at Cecil Avenue when Baker struck and killed Mrs. Winters with her vehicle. Mr. and Mrs. Winters were on their way to a local club to sing karaoke. Baker left the scene of the accident that night and was not arrested until June 2006 when she was charged with a single count of leaving the scene of an accident where death occurred after an investigation conducted by the Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office.

The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Andre Haskin, 22, of the 2100 block of Garrison Boulevard for first-degree murder and handgun charges on Monday. Court documents allege that Andre Haskin was responsible for a shooting incident on May 29, 2007 in the 3400 block of Clifton Avenue. Neil Rather, 18, was found shot in the parking lot on Clifton and Denison Avenue. The two men were allegedly engaged in an argument over a $20.00 debt when Rather was shot. He died later at Sinai Hospital. His co-defendant, Christopher Ford, was indicted on June 28, 2007 on the same charges. His trial date is set October 15, 2007.

The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Sandra Milton, 46, of Cumberland, Maryland on a charge of first-degree murder today.
Court documents allege that she was responsible for an incident on August 13, 200 in which Milton and Ramona Bradley were engaged in an argument over money while on the corner of Harper and Armistead Way. The victim’s friend approached and advised the victim to walk away. As Bradley and her friend walked away, Milton approached Bradley and allegedly pushed her from behind, causing her to strike her head on the curb. As a result of a serious head injury and other serious complications stemming from the incident, Bradley died a few days later at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.

At a violation of probation disposition hearing today, Judge Martin P. Welch sentenced George Chaney, 46, of the 1000 block of North Chapel Street to 15 years in prison. Judge Welch ordered that this sentence be served consecutive to a 15 year federal prison term handed down against Chaney yesterday. Chaney pled guilty to robbery with a deadly weapon October 12, 2006 and was sentenced by Judge Welch on March 8, 2007 to 20 years suspend all but 18 years in prison and five years probation. The guilty finding in federal court violated the terms of that probation. The Collateral Division of the State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuted Chaney’s Violation of Probation.

September 11

"Trained to fight and bred to kill, police say a dogfighting ring was busted last week."
(I know there's been a lot of shootings lately, but isn't that a bit of a harsh way to speak about our officers?)
Speaking of, one of the men shot Sunday was id'd as Darryl Harcum, 45, who, police say, was trying to stab his brother.

Robbery, burglary, a woman sliced with a box cutter and a man shot in the buns in the Blotter.

In HarfCo, a 45-year-old man was beaten and robbed in front of his family in an Abingdon movie theater parking lot Friday by four teens he shushed during 'Rush Hour 3.'

Don't forget to vote, Baltimore!

So it turns out rainy weather doesn't make your vote count more!
You still get a .000001 % say.
And while it does seem Mayor Dixon's a done deal, City Council president matters a lot, and district representitve races are important too (and with those your vote may actually count, even Jean Marbella says so).
Here're the City Paper endorsements.

Murderer on Parole Gets Time for Bank Robbery

George Robert Chaney, a city murderer out on parole, got 188 months federal for a bank robbery he committed a month after he was released.

Lavon Caldwell, age 25, of Baltimore pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Caldwell and co-schemers used fraudulent driver’s licenses at stores to open credit accounts in the names of victims, and then used the temporary credit cards to buy high-priced goods that were then sold for cash.

Police in Colombia say they've arrested a man they call the biggest drug boss in the country, Diego Montoya, allegedly responsible for producing "tons" of cocaine for the US market.

September 10

City police are investigating the "suspicious" deaths of two people whose bodies were found early this morning inside a house in the 3500 block of Elmley Ave in the Belair-Edison neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore.
UPDATE: The Sun has updated the above link to note that it was a male/female murder/suicide in the 3600 block of Elmley Ave. Police identified the female victim as Khonji Walton, 27, and the man was identified as 36-year-old Antonio Clyburn.

An unidentified man was found shot on the 800 block of North Chester Street just before 2 a.m. Saturday. No suspects, no motive.

A 30-year-old woman was shot and died in Dundalk at 5:45 this morning.
UPDATE: She was identified as Lymaris Mejias, 29, a Latina exotic dancer and mother of four who used the stage name Chyna. A neighbor says that she told him she had a lot of enemies.

Baltimore County police are looking for Emory Lamont Lewis, 24, who allegedly shot Felicia Ann Spratley, 22, of Silerton Road, after she ran from him during a fight.

In Woodlawn, "A male in his 20s was shot in the face outside a house in the 1600 block of Kirkwood Road in the West Edmondale community shortly before 9 p.m. yesterday and was taken to Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he was admitted in critical condition. Police were seeking two males seen running from the scene." Also lots of robbery, burglary and theft in the Blotter.

There's a new home for pregnant nonviolent offenders in Park Heights.

Dept. of Negligent Snack-Food Culture
Dan Rodricks moderates a discussion on crime
Anyway, crappy education, lack of employment opportunities and kids eating Doritos® for breakfast are all blamed ... yet no one has the 'nads to blame the culture and people who see no shame in letting kids drop out of school and serving them Doritos® for breakfast.
We musn't be culturally insensitive!

* New slang alert!
Dorito: [noun] A lazily slipshod and dilatory individual, undeservedly prideful and violence-prone; a person who serves children snack foods for breakfast
"He had to overcome a lot to get to college, his parents are total Doritos."
"You don't want to buy that house, there's a whole bunch of Doritos living next door."

Speaking of Britney Spears, we read an article in out favorite paper a while back that she was addicted to opiate lollipops-- turns out they're for real!

September 9

Two more police-involved shootings today, and unshockingly both were the result of "domestics."

Alleged killer of Detective Troy Lamont Chesley (and alleged carjacker, robber, assailant, etc etc), Brandon Grimes. is seeking to change his plea from "not guilty" to "not criminally responsible" on account of bipolar disorder or a learning disorder or something.

Amazing survival story! Missing student James McCormick had driven his car into a ravine, and was found a week later by a sharp-eyed pregnant passenger!

Wow, there really are more black men in jail than in prison!

While Baltimoreans are annoyed about crime, but apparently not enough so to do anything about it, Annapolitans are freaking.

A happy ending! Detective Ed Burns and David Simon of "The Wire" introduced the real-life Omar Little* to his wife-to-be! Awwwwww! Here's more.
*We're assuming there's at least one major difference...

Sheriff's deputies in Florence, S.C., continued a two-day manhunt mit Hunden in the forest off Interstate 95 today for convicted armed robber Marvin Ray Jordan, who escaped his leg shackles last month at the Courthouse East.

Three Years for Kaufman's Brick-Basher

This morning Judge Wanda K. Heard sentenced Steven Carr, 38, of the 3800 block of Hillsdale Road, to 15 years in prison, suspending all but three years. Said the SA's office, in their no-nonsense style:

Carr pled guilty to robbery with a deadly weapon May 11, 2007 for assaulting mayoral candidate A. Robert Kaufman in the head with a brick, taking money from Mr. Kaufman on December 6, 2006 at Mr. Kaufman’s home on North Hilton Street. Judge Heard ordered that the sentence run concurrent to the two years that Carr is currently serving for violating probation on a previous CDS case. The court also ordered that Carr be placed on probation for five years following his release from prison, during which time he is to complete his GED, and complete his licensing as an electrician. He will also be provided with drug and alcohol treatment, if necessary, along with an anger management counseling. At the hearing, Mr. Kaufman spoke at length about his concerns for Mr. Carr, and the city in general. He expressed his wishes that Mr. Kaufman receive rehabilitation and counseling during his incarceration in the hopes that Mr. Carr will “become a productive member of society.” Judge Heard said that she was very moved by both Mr. Kaufman’s and Mr. Carr’s comments. The State had asked for a prison term of 20 years suspend all but 10 years. Assistant State’s Attorney and General Trial Division Chief Lawrence Doan prosecuted this case.

September 7

AAC police are asking for the public's help to find 6-year-old Colin Jackson, left, kidnapped by his non-custodial parent. They're believed to be in a 1992 Chevrolet Blazer, with Maryland tags A184479.

Blarf! It's the BCrime diet plan... every time you have an appetite, read this article about Richard Lewis Marks' 30+ years of pedophilia. Hork! Heave!

A stolen-car chase yesterday ended with police shooting out one of the car's windows on Pratt Street; the driver was arrested. This is intuguing: "an electronic scanning device mounted on the police vehicle indicated that [the car had] been stolen." So futuristic!

An 18-year-old arrested for murder and a Woodlawn home-invasion robbery in the Blotter.

Kenneth Beauchamp of Dundalk, wanted in the murder of Patrick Pearce III of Rosedale, was arrested in Ohio.

WYPR: "Crime Anxiety Grips Three Baltimore Neighborhoods"
(only three? Finally some good news!)

Ellicott City gallery owner/Ponzi schemer Thomas H. Akins got 6 1/2 years in the federal pen for his "Art Investment Program."

Politics
Janis: when it comes to elections, voter turnout is what counts. In '06 MD's turnout was 47.3 percent, not much worse than the US average. Wonder what it is in the city? One Oz Bengur says "a third," but doesn't source that number.

PPark Double Shooter Indicted for Murder

The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Shawn Dickey, 21, of the 400 block of N. Collington Avenue on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first degree murder. Court documents allege Shawn Dickey is responsible for a double shooting in the 2300 block of E. Fayette Street and Patterson Park on May 22, 2007. Alexander Rose and another person were on the corner of Patterson Park and Fayette Street when Dickey began shooting at the two people. The surviving victim was able to run away despite suffering a gunshot to the leg. Rose succumbed to his injuries at Johns Hopkins Hospital. An arraignment is scheduled for October 2, 2007 before Judge Lynn K. Stewart, Room 215, Mitchell Courthouse. Assistant State’s Attorney Joshua Felsen will prosecute this case.

Guilty Plea but No Jail for Shanda Harris

At a hearing today, Shanda R. Harris, 41, of the 3100 block of Lawnview Avenue pled guilty to one count of reckless endangerment and three counts of child in need of assistance (CINA) or contributing to the negligence of a child. Judge John M. Glynn sentenced Harris to eight years in prison suspending all but the time she already served from October 5, 2006 through March 26, 2007, and also sentenced her to three years' probation and set special conditions: that she complete drug and alcohol abuse treatment, psychiatric treatment and parenting classes. Between July 1, 2005 and July 30, 2006 Harris allowed convicted child sex offender Melvin Jones access to her four children after being notified that he was in fact a registered child sex offender. Assistant State’s Attorney and Felony Family Violence Division Chief Julie Drake will prosecuted this case.

September 6

Fox's Jeff Barnes reported last night that the man shot in an auto-parts store on Belvedere Avenue died, and a suspect fled in a silver Mercedes, plate 9CT H64.

From yesterday: A foul-smelling (alleged) sex offender with a collection of knockout drugs was discovered hiding in the closet of two Dundalk kids.

More on murder vitims Jasmine Borum and her grandmother Pauline.
WMAR reports that neighbors believe the grandmother was caught in the way of someone after Jasmine, but

'[Jasmine's] dead and gone why drag her name through the mud,' says [neighbor Marcus] Lynch. Only because other residents believe her record may explain why someone would kill a 60 year grandmother and her granddaughter inside their home and in a neighborhood, everyone agrees was quiet full of families, full of children.

A 20-year-old man walking in the 1500 block of Cliftview Ave. about 12:30 a.m. and was shot in the back and lived; Troy Spencer, 33, was arrested for shooting two people; stolen American cars in the Blotter.

In AAC, Ronald Francis Dawson II will serve two months for killing TJ Watson in an alleged drug deal gone bad.

Mother-of-the-year Shanda Harris won't get a plea deal.

Who Knew? Dept:
Apparently, Remington isn't an abyss of drugs and violence.

"Implementing Park Heights Revitalization A Tall Order"

Missing persons:
PGC Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating missing 18-year-old Julian Carlos McCormick, last seen Saturday Sept. 1 leaving his dorm at Bowie State University in his Blue-Silver 2003 Honda Civic with Maryland temporary tag # 83870A.

More on the Karen Kamsch mystery.

Crime Alert! Fake BGE Men

"Fartsy" wrote:
"I live in Pigtown and we have a guy who's going around robbing houses in broad daylight. He's described as a black male, and VERY tall...like 6'5" or so, and he wears a construction vest and gloves."

I called the SW district to confirm, and the very nice officer who picked up the phone said that what police have seen a lot of lately, in the SW and city-wide, is an uptick in reports of the scam of men posing as workers from BGE, sometimes complete with a very-real looking uniform and badge. Sometimes they scam people by saying that they owe money on their bills and the power's going to be shut off that minute if they don't pay, other times they just flat-out shove their way in and rob the house after someone opens the door.
Of course, he says, BGE doesn't collect cash door-to-door, and they don't show up unannounced, so if you see an unexpected "BGE man" or other utility-person type knocking on your door, don't open the door, and call the police!

UPDATE: Says Fartsy, "No, it's not one of the phony BGE men! This guy just kicks in doors and windows -- he doesn't bother with knocking and pretending to be a phony BGE man. One of our neighbors was stabbed multiple times and has a collapsed lung (or had, I haven't gotten an update lately on the guy's condition). The phony BGE guy is a different crook."

Jezum crow!

This Just In: WBAL Reportage Lazy, Hype-Driven

OMG, what little lying weasels!
Looking for the clip of the Walters' CCTV tape of a mugging I posted a while back, I found this instead from WBAL. Assuming that they found the clip randomly and don't read this site, my YouTube "handle" and a link to send me a message is right there on every clip! Hardly a BIG MYSTERY!
I guess a mugging is too dull, they felt the need to fabricate a hook out of thin air!



How does Jayne Miller stand to hang out with those assclowns?

ps. a Great essay/rant by George Saunders, "The Braindead Megaphone," in this month's GQ, opining the myriad ways in which progressively "dumber" TV news spreads the "disease" of "stupidity, aggression and anxiety."