Child Arrest, two Murderers and a Rat-Eating Possum

More to the story of the arrest of 7-Year-Old Gerard Mungo Jr.-- 311 transcripts and allegations that "Sgt. Colburn and Officer Hayes made 'some type of a bet as to whether or not they could lock up a 7-year-old'"

28-year-old Paul Highfield got 10 years for beating two-year-old Anthony D'Urso to death.

Luke and Janis report that Baltimore cold-case detectives have charged William Brown, 41, with killing a 25-year-old woman with a prostitution record and a 15-year-old girl in 2004, and with raping another woman in 2003.

A woman's body was found in Aberdeen.

And then there's the story of how a "Trashy House Breeds Raccoons":

Wt first I wasn't too taken aback by the raccoon but when I saw the possum I was like ‘whoa’! But then I was told by another neighbor you really want the possum's around because of the rats they eat the rats. I just don’t want them around me! ... They're running around rampant! I had to have my roof repaired as well as my mom and several other neighbors.

What the Hamburglar's Eating Now

"Nobody thinks prison food is haute cuisine, but could it be so bad it's unconstitutional?" Slate magazine taste-tests prison Nutraloaf.

Also in this mien from Jeff Quniton's Inside Charm City: "Satellite TV coming to MD prisons"

Bang bang bang bang bang bang. Bang. Shank!

A man found bleeding in the 1200 block of Orleans street reportedly died at Hopkins hospital last night.
Monday's four shootings have been mapped by spotcrime, and a fifth shooting proved fatal early Tuesday morning.
Here's more

"I guess some people are listening to Drowning Pool's 'Let the Bodies Hit the floor' because another one was found in Northwest Baltimore today." -- TC

Grandpa's got a shiv: Tyrone Alsberry pleaded guilty to killing Willie Clayton Joyner after stabbing him during an altercation over money.

.. and three other assorted area crimes from yesterday.

At a hearing yesterday, Judge Paul Smith sentenced Tranell Dansbury, 25, of the 1600 block of North Broadway Street, to 20 years in prison for second-degree rape, 10-years consecutive for second-degree assault and 20 years concurrent for second-degree sex offense for a total prison term of 30 years. A Baltimore City jury convicted Dansbury June 12, 2008. Details:

On November 18, 1997 Dansbury, who was 15-years old at the time, forced the victim behind a brick wall located at 1400 East Madison Street where he raped and sexually assaulted her. Police identified Dansbury with a DNA search of the Combined Offender Data Index System (CODIS) in April 2007. Assistant State’s Attorney Katherine Moxley of the Sex Offense Division prosecuted this case.

At a hearing yesterday, Judge John C. Themelis sentenced Kim Hargett, 25, of the 600 block of E. 30th Street to 20 years in prison. A Baltimore City jury convicted Hargett of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine on March 26, 2008. Details:

On August 25, 2007 in the 1600 block of E. 30th Street officers observed Hargett engaging in hand-to-hand drug transactions. When Hargett realized police presence, he stashed what was later identified as heroin and cocaine under a porch at 1603 E. 30th Street before running into that residence. Police arrested him inside that house and recovered more than $700 in US currency. They recovered 25 blue top vials of cocaine and 20 clear gel caps of heroin from under the porch. Assistant State’s Attorney Robin Daitch of the Narcotics Division Prosecuted this case.

This just in from TBC: As mentioned in the comments, Barney Frank (D-MA) is proposing a bill to decriminalize possession of smaller amounts of marijuana. My question for you, Mr. Frank, is this: How does it feel to support TERRORISM?

Media Blabber

Peter Moskos, author of "Cop in the Hood," was on Ed Norris yesterday. The podcast isn't up yet but I assume it will appear on this page eventually. In the meantime, why not listen to the Paige Croyder interview again?

Tuesday...

Brandon Morris, who was convicted of killing a corrections officer, was transferred from supermax to a federal penitentiary in Kansas. Sounds like he's made it to the big leagues.

Rozza Alston is no longer the alleged POS robber and felon. If only we could Kentucky fry him as a fitting punishment.

Impressive research: BCPD police have arrested a man for a rape that happened more than 20 years ago. CSI - Baltimore, anyone?

Plenty of thieves in Baltimore City and County, so where's Ali Baba?

You have to admire the tenacity of the County State's Attorney's office, who will pursue Life without parole for a 16 year old accused of killing another teen. No, John Galt - the County cannot annex the City.

The other side of the story: Its only fair to take an alternate view of Pat Jessamy in light of all we've recently seen. Here's one from Baltimore Magazine.

In other news, I'm considering places to host a summer Baltimore Crime get together, any suggestions?

4 shot, 3 killed, in 40 minutes in city
Mapped by Spotcrime.com
- Residents in Govans talk about the murder of Tyrone McCray, found near a PAL center on Ivanhoe and Tunbridge

"Jewel Williams was just 4 years old in 1998 when she watched a man kill her mother and her mother's friend in a Reservoir Hill apartment ... She stayed in the apartment with the bodies for two days, caring for her 1-year-old stepbrother and trying to treat her mother's wounds with toilet paper and a toy stethoscope."

UPDATE: Nicholas Browning will be tried as an adult

Don't miss this!

"Jessamy can't do anything without Burns. They are almost the co-state's attorneys right now."
"I have a file of the things [Burns] did to undermine the police department, and a lot of it was false."

Blistering accusations from retired high-ranking prosecutor @ the State's Attorney's office, Page Croyder, who breaks down the SA's office drama 4 yr earhole (scroll down to the middle of the page)!

.. and there's more from Meister, who also dug up a link to the 2006 TDR article in which Judge Glynn calls Burns a liar.

Affirmative Action for Republicans

Was Rod J. Rosenstein hired because he was the best candidate... or because he was the best Republican candidate?

Just another Manic Monday...

The death of Tyrone McCray, who was shot and killed yesterday, has been ruled as a homicide, the City's 122nd.

Baltimore Police are investigating a shooting of a 21-year-old off of Hillen Road on Shadyside Road. I would classify that street as "ironic"...

The two men fatally shot in a Jeep on Friday have been identified as Quinton Hogan and Donell Rogers.

A 20-year veteran of BPD is attempting to clear his name amidst charges that he showed nudie pics at work. If you're going to get busted allegedly doing naughty things on the computer, why not solitaire like everyone else?

Annie Linskey describes an odd relationship between a man standing trial for drug charges and an officer who has come to his aid for an appeal.

Holy burgles, Batman -- lots of robberies in the blotter!

As part of a larger probe, two city employees were suspended for stealing copper from the Mitchell Courthouse as well as City Hall then selling it for profit. You're supposed to go before the Board of Estimates first before stealing from the City , you didn't get the memo?

New media? The Sun Guild and the Daily Record have been a-posting YouTube videos.

The CP has more on the White Bros's 4th of July shootout at the union hall

A suspiciously dead body was discovered in NE Baltimore.
(Thx Glt)

Police ID'd the men killed in their car on Friday as Quinton Hogan, 23, of Parkville, and Donell Rogers, 21, of Baltimore. (WBAL says it was Wabash & Northern Parkway, WMAR says Wabash and Rogers Ave.)

BOB Time Again

Vote in the CP's Best of Baltimore poll if only to fill in the "Best Local Blog" line!

July 25, 2008

Two killed in a drive-by shooting on Northern Parkway!
Police are looking for a white Pontiac.

An armed purse-snatching right next to Roland Park Elementary!

Both the Sun and the Daily Record cover yesterday's courthouse rally with Anna Sowers and her supporters.
Cham may be tired of this story, but I think it's pretty interesting.
Meister blogs that he has an "inside source" in the SA's office who says that Burns will "probably go quietly sometime before the election."

The man with the bomb at UM- Baltimore was ID'd as one Dallas J. Smith.

An AAC woman who left her newborn in the trash is out of the pokey after serving 8 months.

At a hearing today before his trial was scheduled to begin, George Scruggs, Jr., 34, of the 3100 block of Artaban Place pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. Judge Gale E. Rasin sentenced Scruggs to 30 years, with all but 15 suspended, and five years' probation. The facts he pled to:

On August 29, 2007 at approximately 11:42 p.m., Scruggs and the victim, Darnell Thomas, 24, began arguing outside Scruggs’ door. Thomas struck Scruggs in the face with a beer bottle. The argument further escalated with the eventual fatal shooting of Thomas. Scruggs confessed to police but stated he believed the victim was armed with a handgun.

Thursday (and nothing is sacred)

An 82 - allow me to repeat this - Eighty-Two year old woman recalls the mugging and vicious assault she allegedly suffered. Apparently one of the men did it after asking for change for a $5. Lesson learned: Don't give anyone in this city anything.

If that doesn't boil your blood enough, the city blotter features people robbed, cars broken into, and homes burgled, while the county blotter has explosive devices and hate crimes. Business as usual in the Baltimore Metropolitan region, I see.

Though she was to receive mental treatment in return for pleading guilty, Vernice Harris continues to rot in prison.

My apologies for forgetting Anna Ditkoff's Murder Ink, an invaluable and informative resource here in Harm City...

WMAR TV examines the controversial and -- above all -- local issue of racist license plates. With news mediums like this, who needs propaganda factories? filler?

In a complete and absolute display of her innocence, Mayor Sheila Dixon has retained well known and respected defense attorney Arnold Weiner to represent her in the ongoing perjury/misconduct probe of her office. Weiner, of course, represented former Governor Mandel during his little tryst with the law.

Lame.

State's Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy released a statement regarding the Sowers case, click here to read it. A statement that you're not going to make a statement? What's the point of that?

Quality Readin'!

Don't miss the article in this week's NYker about medical MJ in CA, aka "Dr. Kush."

Wednesday Morning

If there is a Hell, these guys are certainly going there: Seriously, who robs a guy of church money?

Assaults, robberies, arson and cuttings in the Blotter. Just another day in the greatest jurisdictions in America...

Since it'll be a crime issue soon enough: Senator Ulysses Currie allegedly used his power for the benefit of Shoppers, a company he worked for on the side.

More to come...

Yikes

A bomb squad was called in to UM Baltimore BioPark this morning.
(Thanks Lucid)

Tuesday Morning

After the fatal shooting, the Linden Bar and Liquors is back to business as usual.

A woman who served as assistant manager of the Family Dollar in Mount Claire was found slain there in what authorities believe was the end result of a failed robbery.

A burning body was found in a burning car on Park Heights Avenue last night.

Plenty of gunshot victims, robberies, attempts to burgle, and destruction of property in the Blotter.

Mia Redrick continues the debate on child curfews in Baltimore.

Commissioner Bealefield gets to stay commissioner, as the City Council approved his contract and gets $142,000 per year, with benefits.

Helpful hint: If officers want to take you, don't bite them, because then you'll be charged with resisting arrest and assault.

But J-Kwiz told me that weed was supposed to make you hungry, not kill you...

A domestic murder/hari kari Saturday night on Limit Avenue.

Linden liquors is staying open, in spite of Saturday's "unfortunate occurrence."

WTF? K-Swift Drowned!

At the young age of 27, 92Q DJ K-Swift has drowned in her own pool, while throwing a party!
Apparently no one noticed the hostess was missing, and then when they found her no one performed CPR on her.
WTF?

... The Sun has more

The reporter who broke the Zach Sowers "sleeping baby" story covers the farmer's market protest.

BCPD arrested Edward Leon Medley for a 1980 rape.

Four years later, the courts have finally settled the case of Janet Jackson's tittyflash.

Monday Morning

A man was shot and killed at a liquor store off of safe and reliable North Avenue on Saturday night. More interestingly, this store was the target of shut-down efforts by the local Reservoir Hill Community. Hmm. Methinks this will call for a committee.

A stabbing during an attempted robbery at the Mt. Clare Dollar Store.

This was not a good weekend to be out after 7pm (sorry, Artscape fans), as someone else was found fatally shot in SoWeBo.

As evidence that some press can be bad press, dozens of people gathered to discuss the firing of Margaret Burns, spokesperson for the City State's Attorney's office. Burns, shockingly, could not be reached for comment. Notice a pattern, anyone? Adam Meister posted more information on this little conundrum here.

An inmate died at central booking on Friday evening, and the Powers that Be are investigating.

It's going to be hot today, cats and kittens, so be sure to bring your bottled water!

Here's what you missed at the rally

The next gathering of aggrieved citizens will be at noon Thursday on the steps of the courthouse.

Weekend

#113: "An unidentified man was shot to death Friday night in Northwest Baltimore, according to city police ... found with a gunshot wound to the upper body about 11:20 p.m. in the 5000 block of Pembridge Ave. near Pimlico Race Course ..."

The most recent female strangling victim (#107) was ID'd. "Friends" and police "departmental reports" (?) claim Brenda Hatfield, 45, had been selling certain skills on the open market. Her family denies it, though, and Hatfield has no drug or prostitution charges on her record.

Matthew Haarhoff, who allegedly helped his mom set her "boyfriend"'s body on fire, is now trying to make a new start.

The NYT has a criminal-justice series running, "American Exception," examining "commonplace aspects of the American justice system that are virtually unique in the world."
The "Baltimore Exception" would be whole other series,
featuring
"Abated by arrest"
gag orders for retiring police officers,
and, of course, a lady Mayor who's going to get indicted!

For-Her Firearms

The News Hole just featured the press release of a .38 gun which is painted hot pink - perfect for that special lady of yours. It's an exquisite piece...

Friday Morning

The jury's still out on the case of Darnell Edmonds, accused of murdering Kenneth Morrell, who was accused of murdering Darnell's Brother Keyyon Makins. This is the second trial after Edmonds first ended in a mistrial.

In a fit of irony, Sherman Kemp - a purveyor of the 'Stop Snitching' culture - essentially snitched on himself when he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and gun possession, among other charges.

The US Attorney's Office scored another win when they clinktified Terrance Gray, who conspired to steal cocaine from a drug dealer. He was sentenced to 15 years. Go, Hot Rod!

Jean Marbella notes an extremely interesting legal theory raised by some penitentiary-bound Baltimoreans. Take that, Clarence Darrow!

Well, it turns out that the fifth woman who was strangled was also a prostitute.

As many of you probably know, The police have, in the past spied on groups they dubbed suspicious. But... as recently as 2006? The Sun investigates spying done by the State Police on peace and anti-death penalty groups.

Sirlilar Jewelle "Juelz," Stokes, 19, was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a 18-year-old Ashley Davis at Robert E. Lee yesterday.

"Prostitute Self Defense Class"

Taking it to the Streets

... like the Doobie Brothers!
We hear there's to be a rally against newspaper layoffs today at noon in front of the Sun building on Calvert Street.

There will also be an anti-Marty-Burns rally at the farmer's market on Sunday.

They don't call this city Mobtown for nothing!

The Story that Refuses to Die

A listener of "The Ron Smith Show" opines that racism twines its way through the Sowers case.
(Thanx Vic)

Speaking of twining racism, it's interesting how when Jessie Jackson drops two "n" bombs, the press won't print or repeat the quote.

Thursday Morning

Lamont E. Brown, Baltimore's newest alleged criminal mastermind, was charged for the series of attempted bank robberies from monday evening. One has to wonder what would have happened had that time been spent applying for jobs. Oh Dan Rodricks, where were you?

Sampson Asby of West Baltimore was arrested for the death of his girlfriend Patrice L. Marable (#111) on July 6th. With a record of more than two dozen cases dating back to 1998 one can't help but wonder how the police knew. And if you don't believe me, check for yourself here.

Antonio R. Jackson - who gave the gun to the person who ended up shooting and paralyzing William "Tippa" Thomas - apologized to William yesterday in court while being sentenced for the offense. In other news scientists are working feverishly to correlate apologies and recovery from paralysis.

A State Trooper was wounded during an altercation in which a man attempted to enter the Mondawmin MVA after hours. I know people who would get aggressive after being in there during regular hours. Also, anyone who is trying to deliberately enter that place is clearly not right.

A study by Johns Hopkins' School of Public Health has found correlations between the neighborhoods of Baltimore and the health of its inhabitants, saying that poorer and more violent neighborhoods are prone to health issues such as stroke, and heart attacks. In other news someone, somewhere just said, "Well, duh..."

Two more people suffered nonfatal shootings near Clifton Park last night, this time a 14 and 15 year old boy.

The State's Attorney's office dropped murder charges against Lewis K. Lucas yesterday, citing that they were unable to find their only witness. Fortunately he already is facing a hefty 20 year sentence... which is suspended... although he now is serving five years... D'oh!

Holy gunsmoke, Batman!

As reported by the good people at The Baltimore Sun, a man who attempted to burgle a Park Heights home was shot in the back and died. Margaret Burns of the State's Attorney's office did comment on this matter, indicating that they will wait for the police homicide investigation to conclude before deciding whether or not to pursue criminal charges.

Shot in the Park, but Who's to Blame?

Update: The partially-clothed teenaged female found at the Mt. Washington RoFo at the crack of dawn was shot in Robert E. Lee Park and had walked to the store for help. She is in critical condition at Sinai.

Last night was "a violent night in Baltimore City after five shootings and one beating in less 12 hours."

Did you know? There's only one full-time overnight news videographer in town, and his name is Pete O'Neal.

"... having joggers find dead bodies is a more effective and vastly more cost-efficient crime fighting alternative than using local law enforcement."

Wednesday Morning

This just in: A woman was found shot in front of the Mt. Washington Royal Farms this morning. Police are looking for suspects.

Most loyal viewers have probably seen this in the comments section already but Councilman Jim Kraft has joined the calls for Margaret Burns, spokesperson for Patricia Jessamy, to be canned for her "sleeping baby" remarks.

Five Schools in The - former - City That Reads have been labeled "Persistently Dangerous" by the Maryland state school board. Its worth noting that the entire state of Maryland has five schools which has this designation, so do the math. But, to show you that behind every cloud there's a silver lining, five were removed!

D'oh, Kevin Clark's case was dismissed in the Baltimore City Circuit Court. His lawyers intend to appeal.

Extremely interesting case: James Owens was convicted of first degree murder years ago and recently was given a new trial. However, the Judge overseeing the case has allowed the confession from years ago to remain as evidence. There's even more to it than that. Another fine writeup by Luke Broadwater.

Police have captured a man they believe shot an Anne Arundel County Police officer yesterday.

Anna Ditkoff notes six murders that happened this past week, making her count 112 total.

In my Inbox

"This email is being sent out to about 200 employees in the office of
the Baltimore State's Attorney. I am what they call an examiner for Examiner.com and I want to know your opinions on the Margaret Burns situation. Feel free to email me from your personal email account if you have to. I have included some pertinent links below my signature. If any of you could encourage State's Attorney Patricia Jessamy to give a statement about this issue it would be helpful. Is any one in your office concerned about the impact of this situation on the reputation of your office? The refusal to comment seems to only add fuel to the fire and anger more citizens of Baltimore on a daily basis. It appears that your office thinks this situation will go away if you do not address it but in the last 24 hours the Daily Record, WMAR, WBFF, WBAL radio, and the Baltimore Sun have joined me in covering this issue. Councilman Kraft has gone on record as a supporter of the dismissal of Ms. Burns and this further reinforces the image of you going against the will of the citizens of Baltimore (the same people you are supposed to represent). This could soon turn in to a political
nightmare if your office and leader continue to maintain a stubborn silence. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Adam Meister

WBAL Radio Coverage:
http://wbal.com/stories/templates/smith_show.aspx?articleid=9574&zoneid=13

The Daily Record:
http://www.mddailyrecord.com/article.cfm?id=5960&type=UTTM

WMAR Coverage:
http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=f4b5b9c5-86d5-4560-b23d-9aec5ac3ac81

"

Another big weed bust in the city! That's like, 600 pounds in a month!
(Wonder what percentage that is of how much passes thru town?)

Officer Indicted for Manslaughter

The Grand Jury has indicted Thomas Sanders, 37, a police officer in the Northeast District, on a two-count indictment charging him with voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. An arraignment is scheduled for August 29, 2008 before the Honorable W. Michel Pierson. The state alleges that Sanders shot Edward Hunt, 27, of Aquarius Court, in the back at about noon on January 30, 2008 at the Hamilton Park Shopping Center. Officer Sanders is expected to turn himself in to authorities.

National

"At the Uneasy Intersection of Bloggers and the Law"

An AACounty officer shot in the city (not fatally)

Tuesday Morning (Not as thrilling as the store, but...)

Chuck described this incident better than I ever could: Stabby Cabbie. I must confess it made my morning to read that.

Some 23 year old was indicted for the murder of Effrem Kearney, #9 of the year.

Robbers targeted two downtown banks yesterday, successfully robbing the Provident bank on Lexington Street and falling short at the M&T bank on Pratt Street. The police are still looking for suspects. Oh well, if at first you don't succeed ...

Orlando Gilyard got nine years in Federal Prison for Bangin'. So far the US attorney's office has 48 people with either indictments or pending cases. I suggest that we rename US Attorney Rod Rosenstein "Hot Rod".

Within the next 24 hours we should know if the case of Kevin Clark - Baltimore's former top cop - will go forward.

Lt. Terrence McLarney - Law School graduate and respected veteran - has taken over one of the hardest jobs in Baltimore, commander of the BPD Homicide Unit.

Not a crime story, but... Belinda Conaway, Legislative Scholar connected with such groundbreaking resolutions as a statue for a dead horse, has now made calls to shift Baltimore's government to a four day work week. At this pace she'll be mayor by 2011.

Citing a lack of evidence, the State's Attorney's office has dropped charges against Carolyn Redd, charged with murdering her mother in February 2007. She should be freed today, while Lawrence Page - Redd's boyfriend who is connected with the murder - has a postponed trial until October.

Monday evening

Being in this blog is like being in the Godfather or the Crips or something. I retire, you throw me a big fancy retirement party (thanks for coming out, y'all), and four days later I'm reading shit in the media and blogging about it. I get out, and they pull me back in. Sigh.

With that said, Baltimore Cynic is my new hero. And if you didn't read Sean's comments a few days ago, you really should. Keep it up, Sean.

Over the weekend, 27-year-old Eric Little got into a booze-fueled spat with his 17-year-old brother, Calvin Ray. Eric 'fessed up to stabbing Calvin, then the cops told him Calvin was dead. It's not often that I feel much sympathy for killers in this town, but something tells me that Little had no real intention of hurting his little brother. It's a rough case no matter whose perspective you view it from.

The last paragraph of the link above has 30 words on a double shooting on Braddish Ave. in West Baltimore that left one man dead. (I'm not sure whether or not you saw this one, Cynic; finding bodies in the city's media is kind of like finding eggs at an Easter egg hunt. It's tricky at first, but after a year or two, you learn all the good hiding places.)

WMAR actually wrote something semi-comprehensive about the two teens who were (allegedly) tortured for (allegedly) ripping off Christopher Johnson's PS3. Why teenagers being beaten, burned, and sodomized over a video game system isn't front page material is completely beyond me.

Media Blabber

TDR: "Even though at least 34 journalists at The Sun have applied for buyout packages, the paper will still need to lay off employees to achieve its goal of eliminating 60 newsroom jobs by August."

The Wally Jay reviewed Cop in the Hood by sociologist and former BPD officer Peter Moskos.

Saratoga Street is not about to drop Sleeping-Babygate (you can't call one of their reporters a liar and expect them to drop it)!

Monday, and the Forecast is bleak

As reported by Sir Galt, there was a double shooting in Clifton Park yesterday which left one person dead, and another injured.

As if that isn't bad enough, City police are reporting three nonfatal shootings throughout Baltimore as well from that day. Interesting that they would describe a shooting in such a pleasant, euphemistic way.

Local Firefighters pulled the body of a young woman from the Inner Harbor today.

In response to what can only be described as idiocy and inefficiency squared, Mayor Dixon recommended upgrades to the City Courts' computer system. I wonder if Dale Clark is busy?

In response to placing his client in Supermax instead of psychiatric care, an attorney for Kevin Johns intends to appeal to the Court of Special Appeals.


It isn't technically a crime, but darn it, it should be: The NAACP is investigating Lexington Market because of its policy that clients must purchase food in order to purchase booze. Another fine piece of work of the Baltimore NAACP - how is their paper murder tally going anyway?

Sgt. Robert Smith, who was falsely accused of a sex offense and removed on duty, is now back on the job... with perks! Perhaps the NAACP should get that attorney to investigate their miscarriage of justice.

The Baltimore Sun discusses the BPD's efforts to put away the 960 most dangerous offenders in the City, as well as the problems that the Judiciary sees with it..
And... discuss!

Morales caught in Dundalk

Edward Ericson Jr. of the City paper notes that Jose Morales Jr. - (alleged) thief, arsonist, and all around bad guy who doesn't like showing up to court - has been captured in Dundalk, and is now being held without bail. I guess this would be because he's a flight risk...

With charges awaiting him in four different counties in Maryland, one has to wonder if he's concerned with the Trespassing charge he may get.

Extra credit to Ed for the clever title of the update!

Government Criminal Justice Roundup, week of 7/5

Baltimore's State's Attorney's Office:

COUPLE SENTENCED IN HANDGUN CASE

July 9, 2008 – Today, Judge John Carroll Byrnes sentenced Dyrell Ricks, 22, and Mary Lou Walker Ricks, 24, of the 1900 block of Alto Vista Avenue for handgun convictions. Dyrell Ricks, 22, was sentenced to five years without parole for prohibited possession of a regulated firearm and three years suspended with three years supervised probation on handgun in vehicle. His wife, Mary Lou Walker Ricks was sentenced to probation before judgment with two years supervised probation on one court of wear, carry, or transporting a handgun on her person. Mrs. Ricks has no prior convictions. Both will be required to register with the Gun Offender Registry Act.

A Baltimore city jury found each guilty on May 1, 2008 based on the following summary of facts. On May 11, 2007 in the 2600 Block of Harford Road at 1:30 a.m. officers of the Baltimore Police Department stopped a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle mentioned at roll call. As police approached the vehicle the passenger Dyrell Ricks ran from the vehicle but was stopped a short distance away. The driver of the vehicle was Mary Walker. Officers located a Taurus 9mm handgun loaded with 3 rounds in plain view in a bag on the front passenger side of the floor.

Assistant State's Attorney Charles Fitzpatrick of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

------

BALTIMORE CITY GRAND JURY INDICTS GEORGE THOMPSON FOR SOLICITATION TO COMMIT FIRST DEGREE MURDER AND CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FIRST DEGREE MURDER

Baltimore, MD – July 10, 2008 – State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy announced today that the Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted George Thompson, 37 of the 1400 block of Shefford Road, for solicitation to commit first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder.

Court documents allege that on June 12, 2008 George Thompson solicited and conspired with an associate to kill his wife.

An arraignment hearing is scheduled for August 4, 2008 before Judge Michel Pierson, Room 329, Courthouse East.

US Attorney's Office:

Maurice Young, age 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to bank robbery with a dangerous weapon and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. The guilty plea came during the fifth day of his trial in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.

See the full release here.
-----

U.S. District Judge William M. Nickerson sentenced Joel Travis Nunnally, age 28, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, today to 154 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for armed bank robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. Judge Nickerson also ordered Nunnally to pay restitution of $2,228.

See the full release here.
----

Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Erick Wotulo, age 61, a citizen of the Republic of Indonesia, and a retired Indonesian Marine Corps General, today to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and money laundering, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. Wotulo will be deported from the United States after serving his sentence in federal prison.

See the full release here.

It's Friday Night, Does the BPD Know Where Your Kids Are?

Curbing Crime with Child Curfew Centers? (Say that five times fast). Not sure how I feel about it. On one hand, if it will keep kids out of trouble (and harm, in this case) perhaps it has its merits. On the other hand, should the Government be responsible for enforcing certain behavior that the parents should? Also, is it a violation of rights by holding them?

The parents have had their say, but what do you think?

Friday, part uno

Around 2am this morning in North Baltimore, a man was shot after allegedly charging an officer with a knife. This marks the 12th police shooting this year. Clearly he's never heard the saying, "Never bring a knife to a gunfight."

Police have made arrests in the murders of Robert Long (#42), and Sandy Howard (#94).

"Name that Campaign" Contest: The Baltimore City State's Attorney's office has just received a grant to hire a Social Worker that will help women charged with prostitution.
Pick a catchy name for this new project. And... go!

From the "GO ON..." Department: Johns Hopkins Hospital was rated as the best hospital in the US for the 18th straight year. In the meantime, Baltimore's been a violent cesspool for many years. Coincidence? I think not...

... I mean, after all, why should our dear mayor care about crime in Baltimore when there are WNBA teams to get and Cell phones to keep from your employees while driving? WNBAStat and CellphoneStat, here we come!

I don't know who to be more annoyed with about this, the Police or the Prosecutors: The State's Attorney's office could be dropping hundreds of cases (possibly) after finding some of the cops may be no good, crooked liars.

Anna Ditkoff continues to illuminate the idiocy of the town we all live in in the News Hole. Hmm. When I think about the criminal behavior in this city juxtaposed to the level of precision and concern, I think Baltimore reminds me of another kind of hole...

Lewin Powell, Jr. comes to the defense of his son, currently charged with beating his mother to death with a baseball bat.

Deer hunters will now be allowed at the Loch Raven Reservoir pretty soon. Whether or not this will lead to more deer kills is unknown but I suspect it may cause more 'accidental' shootings over drinking the last Natty Boh.

BaltCo police are currently looking for a driver connected with a hit and run last night that left three people injured.

More to come today...

BCrime, TBC Style - Get in on It

Rather than subject our loyal visitors to a non-centralized location to get their crime fix, I've opted to help out for the time being.

Baltimore's "Little Dear" population doesn't rest, and neither will we. See you on the comment boards...

BCrime is on hiatus ...

please leave a messsage!

I'm so hungry, I could rob at Arby's

FHB-III: Two of five working-girl stranglings "are not related."

The Ink documents a "conspicuous spike" in murders;
the city's recent shootapalooza is worrying Bealefeld.

Read and learn how drug dealers launder money with used cars.
(The CP assures us that their site is safe, it was hacked several days ago but is now fixed.)

115 juvenile offenders have been arrested on outstanding warrants.

Maurice Young, 43, pleaded guilty to home invasion, string of bank robberies

Why do the child rapists always flee to Baltimore?

Suprise, surprise, Dixon says there's only one way to keep criminals from being released by mistake: "a large infusion of money"

Blotter: Take the cell phone, leave the roast beef sandwiches

Doug Gansler got $200k and a cleanup deal from Velsicol Chemical Co. in Easton.

Interesting comments on the WSJ's "Baltimore=hellhole" Op-Ed

Hope to see you all tonight at "Happy" "Hour"!

July 9

Another strangled woman was found on Monday, the fifth since April. Police have created a squad to investigate, and have seemingly changed their tune from "the cases aren't related" to "it is way too early to tell if any of the cases are related."

Only in Baltimore! A man who was shot in the chest drove himself to the ER at JH hospital, literally.

Carolyn Pierce of the E: Wendell Keys, 40, of Gwynn Oak, is being tried in a cold-case rape that detectives cracked using DNA from a woman abducted outside a Linthicum nightclub almost 18 years ago.

Police found the parents of that wandering toddler, and his babysitter got a generous job offer from the District Court Commissioner's office.

19-year-old Quadir Butcher was indicted in the death of Derrell E. Smith, who was one of two men shot on the front porch of a rowhouse June 2.

You can have your records expunged if you were detained and released without charge, or your name is Keith Mills.

Seven Shootings and an Oopsie

Another mistaken release?! Police are now ISO horse-trader Nathan Parker, 28, let out by accident. That's three oopsies in a week! Butterfingers!

A shooting at 6 a.m. today at an apartment complex in Parkville.

An arrest in the Mt. Royal road-rage shootings last February!

WTF? A man was shot in the foot but ran 4 1/2 miles to the hospital!
... and three other shootings that Chuck may have already blogged.

At a hearing today Aaron Davis, 33, of the 800 block of Lynhurst Street, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to murder. Judge Gale E. Rasin sentenced Davis to five years in prison, the maximum penalty allowable under law. Details:

On October 18, 2007 at approximately 2:20PM in the 1800 block of Walbrook Ave. Baltimore Police were in the area on patrol when they saw the victim running from an unknown male, later identified as Lorenzo Speight. Officers saw Speight firing a handgun at Darren Mebane, 21. Speight fatally shot Mebane and police saw him get into a waiting vehicle driven by Aaron Davis. Officers pursued the car and eventually police apprehended Speight, who had jumped from the vehicle, in an alley near Dukeland and Baker Streets. A .357 revolver was located on the roof of a nearby address, 1501 Dukeland St., and ballistics later showed it was the murder weapon. The vehicle was registered to Davis.

Lorenzo Speight, 33, of the 700 block of Mt. Holley St. pleaded guilty in February to first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence and was sentenced to life suspend all but 30 years in prison. Assistant State’s Attorney David M. Grzechowiak of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

Evening Update

Since there's nothing legal about "abated by arrest," it's good news that "Thousands of Marylanders have had their arrest records removed from public view because of a new state law that requires automatic expungement for those who are detained and released without charge."

"The family and friends of Elizabeth Walters came to Baltimore County Circuit Court on Monday expecting some measure of closure with the sentencing of David Lee Miller, convicted in March of killing Walters and their unborn child. Instead, because of an apparently misplaced court order, Walters’ loved ones must return in September to learn Miller’s fate." This is shocking? Danny Jacobs must be the new guy.

The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Herlinda Rodulfo, 25, of Brooklyn, Maryland on charges of first-degree murder. Court documents allege on May 17, 2008 Herlinda Rodulfo was responsible for a shooting incident in the 800 block of Pontiac Avenue. Valerie Barnes, 19, was found lying on the rear steps in the unit block suffering from several gunshot wounds. She died later at Shock Trauma. An arraignment is scheduled for July 28, 2008 before Judge W. Michel Pierson, Room 329 Courthouse East.

Jarmarl Jones got 20 federal years for the her-ron.

Get your salvia before it's hot!

The First (and Maybe Only) - Ever Baltimore Crime "Happy" Hour!

Chuck's retiring and we're considering some site changes. Let's meet, drink and celebrate his great contributions to the local snark and outrage quotient!

Thursday July 10 (yes THIS Thursday), 6 p.m. @ Club Charles

It would be a crime to miss it! Har!

July 7

Huh. Seems like the Sun has all the gory details today. If anyone has any non-Sun links, stick 'em in the comments, por favor.

After all the shootings over the weekend, you'd think we'd be out of ammo, but we've got bullets to spare!

• 28-year-old Kenneth Baker was fatally shot while he was sitting in a car in the 2600 block of E. Preston St. early Sunday morning.
• Two men were shot last night, one in the 3500 block of Reisterstown Rd. in the Northwestern, and one at Charles and North near the fancy schmancy Station North Arts District (and the not-so-fancy schmancy Club Choices).
• And it's not just the city, folks. In AAC, two guys robbed an off-duty cop in Pasadena then fired a shot into his car.

The police shooting at a "rowdy" 4th of July party in the Southwestern happened when three guys in a car rolled by the cops and started shooting at them. The cops, apparently, had better aim than the guys in the car.
Also, police have released the names of the shooters. I'm sure the White family's got a few items between them on the JIS!

Looks like "Bob" was a suicide.

An inmate at the minimum-security Brockbridge Correctional Center in AAC was stabbed yesterday. He was taken to UMMC, was in stable condition, was uncooperative, and had not escaped from police custody. Yet.

This one just speaks for itself: "A woman, 18, was watching two men fight in the 1000 block of W. Baltimore St. about 1 a.m. Friday when someone stole her purse."

Also in the Blotter (above link), someone stole a pit bull puppy from a house on McElderry St. Since the dog was a rescue from the SPCA, there's a fair chance that it wasn't going to be fought, but now I'd bet that chances of a happy life for that puppy are pretty much shot to shit.

Holy shit! There's something else in the Blotter that I just saw. SOMEONE STOLE A GPS FROM A PARKED CAR!!! That's fucking crazy!

Two local econ profs slam the city's business-unfriendliness in the WSJ: "If you've seen HBO's 'The Wire,' you know why those of us who live in Baltimore are often asked whether our city really is the hellhole it is portrayed to be on TV. Our answer is, well, yes. .. The city has waged a war on capital for more than 50 years, raising property taxes an astonishing 21 times from 1950 to 1985."

14 shot in two days

Reports el duce:

The first shooting was reported at around 12:30 a.m. on the [1] 300 block of South Monroe Street in south Baltimore. According to police, a man was found suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest at that location. He was taken to an area hospital with severe injuries. Homicide was called to the scene.

Nearly a half hour later at 1 a.m. police got a call for a [2,3] double shooting on the 3000 block of Elizabeth Avenue also in south Baltimore. Both victims were taken to area hospitals where their conditions are unknown at this time.

Then at 1:23 a.m., [4] a third shooting was reported in south Baltimore. This one was on the 300 block of South Bentalou Street. A male who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the side took himself to St. Agnes Hospital. He was reportedly shot on Bentalou Street.

Just a few minutes after that, at 1:35 a.m., police in west Baltimore were called to the 2200 block of Dukeland Street. [5] A woman was shot in the leg at that location. She was taken to an area hospital where she is expected to make a fully {sic} recovery.

... there were also [6, 7, 8] one shot plus two killed by police, but let's not count "Bob" in the Harbor. And then there are two more [9, 10], one on 21XX Hollins, one location unknown.
Then Thursday you'll recall a triple on Federal [11, 12, 13] and the [14] 15-year-old in Govans.

... in other news, Border & customs found some stolen cars en route to Nigeria and Niger, which are, apparently, two totally different countries.

Bang, bang, bang. Bang.

A triple last night in the 1600 block of East Federal Street. Everybody lived!

A 15-year-old was shot in the ankle yesterday in Govans.

As galt reported in comments, attempted murderer Calvin Boswell was released from jail by accident, a day after his conviction!

WTF?! "At least four people were injured in a brawl involving golf clubs and baseball bats at an Abingdon elementary school Wednesday night."

July 3

Luke B. brings out the June homicide recap. It's nice to know that Bealefeld's pissed. Makes me like the guy even more.

WTF? The dude who murdered Brandon Allen was the same guy who almost got killed by the man Allen was testifying against. This city is fucking insane sometimes.

In the "better late than never" department, the Sun finally got around to writing about murder victim Chicas Santiago, who was found beaten on June 23 in Patterson Park.

Nothing I can say about the moronic circumstances of Marcus Anderson's escape would be as eloquent as what Judge Bernstein said: "If I were a young enterprising criminal, I'd come to Baltimore to set up my practice. This is the place to be. This is the Promised Land."

If you see a Crip in West or South Baltimore whose family is trying to hide him, he just might be suspected murderer Kevin Randolph. And if you see a guy wearing a Seattle Mariners cap, he might be the one who shot a man on Argyle Ave. on Tuesday night. Let's hope he doesn't think to disguise himself by taking off his hat.

A 15-year-old boy was shot in the ankle near Cold Spring and The Alameda.

Some guy in Annapolis got arrested three times in 14 hours.

Crawl-space killer Vaughn Garris pleaded guilty yesterday to killing his neighbor, Chontae Waters. Because he 'fessed up, he got life instead of the death penalty.

A former high school pitcher pleaded guilty to having way too much of the wacky tabaccy. He lost his baseball scholarship and everything.

how could that possibly be legal?!

The CP reports that retiring police officers are not paid earned comp time when they retire unless they sign a highly unusual and very broad gag order.

... also, the CP has more on the wild world of bail bonds.

Need a laff? Enjoy "Carroll Park fitness trail symbols redux."

Alleged Baby-Killer Indicted

The Baltimore City Grand Jury has indicted Jeanine Blackwell, 34, of the 300 block of S. Monroe Street on charges of murder and child abuse resulting in death. Court documents allege on March 9, 2008 Jeanine Blackwell was responsible for the death of her newborn son, delivered in the toilet of a home in the 300 block of S. Monroe Street and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. An arraignment is scheduled for July 25, 2008 before Judge Sylvester B. Cox, Room 203, Mitchell Courthouse.

Forged checks, gun-toting teens and a robber shot in the knee in the blotter.

July 2

Three murders and a whole bunch of follow-ups in the Ink. This is the first I've heard about the beating death of Chicas Santiago in the 2600 block of Baltimore St., next to Patterson Park.

There was a shooting Monday night on Mosher and N. Calhoun, and a kid near Druid Hill Park acted like a dick to the wrong homeless man.

Should it really be this easy to escape from custody? "After getting out of the transport van at St. Paul and Fayette streets, (Marcus) Anderson took off running..."

Three teens in Brooklyn Park were arrested for two carjackings. In one of them, one of the kids punched a pregnant woman in the stomach.

Paul Justin Krastas got 59 days for an attempted rape in Brooklyn Park last fall. He allegedly picked up a 13-year-old girl, carried her into his grandmother's basement, and pulled down her pants before he was interrupted.

Yet another son of Cindy McKay has been charged with murder for helping mommy to kill her boyfriend in 2006.

Cordero Taylor got off on an attempted murder charge for the stabbing of a 17-year-old outside the Columbia Mall, but he got hit with first degree assault.

Master Giddins got five years for buying gas for a Remington firebombing.

The bones found in HarCo last week are not from a homicide victim.

Larry in the Henhouse

tonight's Larry King is "Women Behind Bars" at MD's women's correctional facility in Jessup, and features Felicia "snoop" Pearson.
Scary stats: Warden Brenda Shell says 35% of inmates are on psychotropic meds, and the recidividism rate is @45%. Also, the fish is a little dry.
Q: the women kept saying "there is no self-defense law in Maryland." What do they mean by that?

CNN also covers the alleged 'vigilante' killing of Ronnie White in pgc.

Sounds like a serial killer

Janis: Four prostitutes strangled since April, nine unsolved strangulations of women since '03, but police do not believe there's link between the cases.
As readers may recall, police also publicly denied a link when old people were being robbed and killed in 2005; the crimes turned out to be the work of serial killer Raymont Hopewell. Considering how unusual and labor-intensive strangulation is, it's hard to believe that it's all just a horrible coincidence.
Meanwhile, AngerHangover's post on the murder of Amanda Bishop has generated some interesting comments.

This list of the "22 rules for street mongering" is one educational read!

Police are ISO a robbery suspect in Prada sunglasses.

"DaJuan Marshall, 26, of the 3800 block of Byfield Road was being held at Central Booking and Intake Center on June 25 when authorities there learned of an outstanding warrant charging him with killing Kenneth Cooper Jones."

Former Democratic state Sen. Thomas L. Bromwell checks into federal prison today. The judge apparently didn't agree with Olesker that he'd punished himself enough already.

Adam Meister uses the word "urinate" five times in this anti-SA's office Meistertorial.

Franklin Morgan is behind Joy Shushinsky all the way, and has some suggestions for Hampden's bored teenagers.

No post today, so kindly stick your news links where the sun don't shine. Y'know, in the comments section. Thanks, y'all.

Afternoon update: shiny, sweaty gangsters toting guns

Melody Simmons: "Baltimore's Gangs Battle for Turf and Power"
(Love the illustration! Meow!)
There's also one of those fun "ask some jackass on the street" features.

Starting today, you have to put your kids who're younger than 8 in a booster seat (unless they're extra big and fat). You also have to remove them and take them with you while you go shopping.

La migra están en el condado del Anne Arundel!

June 30

The Examiner and the Sun offer up more stories on Nicole Sesker's murder. Janis also takes a look at the neighborhood where Nicole died, and writes about the human side of the woman who was murdered.

This is yet another crazy story that, for some inexplicable reason, got virtually no meaningful coverage. Back in early May, you might recall a couple of fact-light stories about a teenager who was abducted and assaulted (including sexual assault) because of a stolen PlayStation game. Turns out it was two teens abducted by four men, and "(t)he teens were taken to a house, beaten, cut and burned, while being questioned about a PlayStation video game ... (and) were later given clothes and cab fare, and dropped off, police said." Anyhoo, one of the abductors is in custody, and two more are being sought. So if you happen to know where Kavon Roberts or William E. Roberts are, pick up the phone and start a'dialin'.

What's happening in the Blotter? Besides the normal crew of dumbasses who leave GPS devices, iPods, cameras, and chef knives in their cars, we have a couple of shootings, a couple of robbers, a stabbing, a birthday party melee, a typo, and a car thief with a penchant for old Pontiacs.

June 29

What's up with the way-down murder rate?

Annals of unsmartitude: Baltimore Raven Derrick Martin took his stash to the Cleveland airport.

Rodricks: "Behind drugs, stories of pain"

Life + 20 for Murder of Daniel Savage

From Ms. Burns @ the SA's office:

At a sentencing hearing Friday, June 27, Judge Lynn Stewart sentenced Alton Teel, 44, of the 3700 block of Bonview Ave. to life in prison and a consecutive 20-year sentence for a handgun charge. The sentence will run consecutive to any sentence Teel receives following a violation of probation hearing that is pending.

A Baltimore jury convicted Teel on April 14, 2008 of first-degree murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence.

On February 21, 2007 Teel fired five shots from a .22 - caliber handgun that killed Daniel Savage, 32, in the 1500 block of N. Bradford St. over a drug dispute.

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

odd that the SA's office sent out a press release on a Sunday!

Hamm's Stepdaughter Murdered

Nicole Sesker, 38, former police commissioner Leonard Hamm's stepdaughter, was found strangled to death in West Baltimore. Here's a link to the 2005 NYT story about her.
She was the second prostitute to be killed in the city this week.

June 27

A woman was shot yesterday afternoon in Park Heights, a man was shot Wednesday night on N. Broadway, and a man was cut as he tried to break up a catfight on Tuesday morning.

An AAC cop claims he got demoted and ridiculed because he reported a crazy-ass stalker co-worker.

Wow. Young men with guns kill each other. Who'd'a thought?

Not a lot of crime in today's news, but there's a whole lot of punishment.

44-year-old Dundalk perv Scott Carpenter got five years for kiddie porn.

Convicted felon Michael Martin got 15+ years for having guns and crack.

Remington arsonist/dealer Eric Robinson got 12 years in the slammer and has to pay restitution of $175,000.

Mohammad Ijaz got four years for bribing Immigration officials for green cards.

Ronald McConnell was indicted in the May 17 fatal shooting of Jason Batts in Columbia's Oakland Mills neighborhood.

June 26

Woodlawn apartment manager Milton John Barnes III might have gotten killed for trying to make his complex a better place to live.

Remains that might be human were found near Rocks State Park in HarCo.

A woman who claims she was sexually assaulted while receiving dialysis has come forward because it's been a year since she filed charges and nobody has been arrested.

Police are seeking McClayton Daniels for possible involvement in seven burglaries.

Fashion thieves are running amok in the Blotter.

16-year-old Damon Simpson pleaded guilty and got 15 years for fatally shooting Charles Hargrove last year.

Raul Garcia got two years for selling guns in the can at Albert Einstein High School in Kensington.

Thanks to everyone who tried to intelligify me on the Sheila D. case in the comments a few days ago. I particularly liked Mr. Meph's

Martin O' worries
Bobby Haircut's comeback near
Does Sheila have dirt?

and Betsy's

Dixon is corrupt as her environment; getting the big picture means dismantling Maryland’s political elite, so the investigation focuses on mink coats.

That's my kind of cynicism! Meanwhile, today's articles on the big Dixon include Sheila getting mad, Sheila getting honest, Sheila getting gifts, Sheila being a survivor, Sheila being not totally aware, and Sheila's money getting linked.

Requiescat in pace, Amanda Marie Bishop

Blogger AngerHangover has identified murder victim #101 as Amanda Marie Bishop, age 22.

June 25

No time for a proper post today, so please add articles to the comments. A few quick ones, though: Annie Linskey wrote a story about the Druid Heights neighborhood where two murders occurred on the same block, and don't forget to read about nine (!) murders in this week's Ink. (Also, don't forget Murders Revisited, which I again forgot to link to last Friday.)

More on the 14th police-involved shooting of the year, that of armed & retarded Bryant Worrell.

The Supreme Court has struck down a Louisiana law that allows the execution of people convicted of raping a child. In a 5-4 vote, the court said the law allowing the death penalty to be imposed in cases of child rape violates the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

Here's the answer to the question, "would such-and-such murders get so much media coverage if they happened in a different neighborhood?" Annie Linskey points out that Druid Heights also had two fatal shootings on the same block, and also had a community meeting of freaked-out residents. (And the story has a typo. Would that apostrophe have been misused if it was in a story about Federal Hill?)

June 24

The year's latest murder victim is a 41-year-old man who was killed at 2:30 this morning in the 1700 block of Abbotston Rd., just down the street from Clifton Park. Gus Sentementes reports that this is the fourth killing in CHUM this year, compared to five for all of last year.

There are a bunch of stories on the killings that occurred over the weekend. Well, there are a ton of stories on the two murders in Federal Hill, there's a story and some photos about the two murders on Bloom St. (and the Federal Hill murders), and everybody has already forgotten about the lady who got slaughtered in Pigtown and Marcus Caldwell, the young man who was found by his mother. (Although it's bass-ackwards to praise a newspaper for not covering the news, kudos to the Examiner for not jumping on the Federal Hill bandwagon. I'd much rather read Luke B.'s end-of-month murder summaries than a bunch of hysteria over 2% of the city's murders.)

Something seems very, very wrong with this headline: "Killer may face return to prison." (Something seems very, very wrong with Christopher O'Brien, too, if you ask me.)

Honestly, this whole Sheila D. mess is really confusing to me, so I'm going to wallow in my ignorance and skip the latest batch of articles. Here are some links, though, so you can read up. If you can explain it to me in 25 words or less, that'd kick ass. The Sun, the Examiner, WJZ, WBAL, WMAR, and another one from the Sun.

Since Kevin Johns is too dangerous for the crazy prison, he's staying at Supermax. So let's have a Baltimore Crime contest. Where do you think Kevin Johns should be sent? And c'mon, be creative. "Put him down like the rabid dog he is." Blah, blah, blah, heard it before. Let's have some Tuesday morning fun. I propose that the state sell him to the guys who made those stupid Saw movies and he can work as a "violence consultant."

From your friendly SA's office:
A Baltimore City jury convicted Randy Golden, 19, of the 3600 block of St. Victor Street today of first-degree murder, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, wear/carry/transport a handgun. The jury deliberated approximately two hours before reaching its verdict. Judge Timothy J. Doory scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2008 at which time Golden faces a maximum possible prison term of life plus 23 years. Details:

On January 9, 2007 at 12:00PM in the 600 block of Washburn Avenue Golden shot his ex-girlfriend, Melissa Stefanski, once in the back of the head. The shooting took place in broad daylight in the middle of the street. Witnesses testified that two days before the shooting, Golden warned three different people, including the victim’s sisters, that he intended to kill Stefanski. The State asserted that the motive for the shooting was that Stefanski began selling drugs for the Crips, a rival gang of the Bloods, of which Golden is a member. Stefanski’s new boyfriend was also a Crip.

Assistant State’s Attorneys Lisa Phelps of the Homicide Division and Brandis Marsh of the Narcotics Division prosecuted this case.

June 23

Ugh. Five murders since Friday. Let's see if I can sort it out.

• On Friday night, Keyva Bluitt was shot inside a blue Toyota then pushed out of the car in the 800 block of Battery Ave. in Federal Hill.
• Marcus Caldwell's mom found her son's body in the driver's seat of a minivan early Sunday morning in the 3200 block of Sequoia Ave.
• The body of a tattooed white woman was found by a Pigtown jogger just after noon on Sunday in the 1300 block of Nanticoke St. Police are asking the public to help ID the woman.
• An un-ID'd man was fatally shot at 8:30 last night in the 500 block of Bloom St. It's the second murder on that block in three days: 21-year-old Brian Goodwin was killed there on Thursday night.
• Around the corner from where Bluitt was killed on Friday night, a un-ID'd man was shot to death just after closing time on Sunday morning. Residents reported gunshots, but nobody found the body until a jogger stumbled across it (not literally, I hope) at about 5am on Sunday.

The whole second page of the Sun's article is devoted to the two Federal Hill killings and their effect on the neighborhood's residents.

Luke B.'s Examiner article on the Federal Hill murders includes a charming quote from Federal Hill's City Council Member William Cole IV: "One murder is shocking. Two is beyond shocking." Hey, Cole, if you think that's shocking, you should try paying attention to what happens to your constituents around North Ave. or Franklin St.!

The accusations against the BPD from Bryant Worrell's family continue: "They don’t want anybody seeing him because they’re covering up something. This makes you hate police, it makes you not want to trust them."

Holy Pulitzer, Batman! The Sun ran a follow-up story on Milton John Barnes III, the Woodlawn apartment manager who is still in critical condition after being shot on Thursday morning. The article doesn't say much more than that, but police do need information if you happen to have any.

The second teenage escapee from the "secure" Victor Cullen Center was captured Friday a few blocks west of the Avenue in Hampden.

Two perverts got some federal time: Frank Pierce Young, age 78, got 3 months; William Lee Burdette, Jr., aka "HornyMDOlderguy," got more than 11 years.

Apparently, churches and zoos are good targets for theft.

We're up to 102

... reports WBAL, though that's still 45 fewer murders than this time last year.
Two victims were in Federal Hill, one of them was Keyva Bluitt, 35, dumped on Battery Ave.
Another was 23-year-old Marcus Caldwell, found last night dead in a minivan.
Still trying to figure out who the others were; some victims were probably fatalities from last week's 22 shootings. Fortunately Ditkoff's on it!
.. and apparently it's the waning gibbous moon that makes death come ...

Are Bullets on Sale?

Colin at Spotcrime.com reports an incredible 22 shootings in the area in the past 7 days!

June 20

32-year-old Donta Gregory was shot and killed on a Remington street corner last night. According to yesterday's comments, Gregory "had an extensive rap sheet and was a defendant in six paternity cases." I don't know whether or not that's true, but if it's on the World Wide Internets, it's good enough for me! (Thanks, Mr. Meph.)

The same link above lists two other shootings last night, both non-fatal (so far). Also, the manager of an apartment complex in Woodlawn was shot yesterday morning and is in critical condition.

A BPD officer was taken to Shock Trauma early this morning after being involved in "some sort of altercation." Now, would somebody please nominate WMAR for a Murrow award, because that's some damned fine investigative reporting.

Two motorcyclists died at the Holabird exit off of I-95 in Dundalk in Sunday. Never mind that they were going way too fast, not pulling over for police, and one of them was riding a stolen bike; the family says it's the cops' fault that they died. (Thanks, ppatin.)

More on the sword attack in Middle River.

The under-18 crowd is going to have a rude awakening when they're hanging out at 2:00am.