Victim Impact Statement from Bryant Curtis Jones' widow

Prosecutors read an impact statement on behalf of Bryant Curtis Jones' wife at the hearing for Jamal Charles and Dwayne Drake, the two teenagers who killed Jones when he asked them to leave his daughter's sweet-16 party in 2006.

My name is Alisa Deneen Torbit-Jones. I am the widow of the late Bryant Curtis Jones.

While trying to keep the peace and safety of his family, Bryant was fatally shot on April 14th, 2006 at our daughter Tamirra's sixteenth birthday party by Jamal Charles. Jamal Charles was encouraged to shoot my husband by his friend, Dwayne Drake. They both were asked to leave our home because they were being disruptive. Before they left, they insisted on their refund of $1.00 for their entrance into the party for Tamirra. Although their entrance fee was refunded, they still were not satisfied, became extremely combative verbally, and the end result was my husband being shot three times, once in the head. My family and I were with my husband when he died from these gunshot wounds at Shock Trauma.

I am angry, mad, and most of all enraged. I have lost my friend, and it hurts. Some days are better than others, and I am trying to overcome the hate that has consumed me. Bryant and I had a bond that no one could break. We have known each other since we were fifteen years old, and had been married for four years. I never imagined that I would have to see my loved one die so tragically and violently. I feel like I am in a dream, as well as a nightmare. It doesn't feel real, doesn't sound real, but everyday that I don't see him; I know that it is real.

When you killed my husband, you never thought about how I or the children would survive. Bryant was a major contributor and he provided so we wouldn't have to sacrifice. Now that he is gone, it is very hard to make ends meet.

Bryant always liked to help people. He was a family oriented individual, and an excellent electrician. He was a good man, a beloved son, a devoted father to his children, and a trustworthy friend. He has a grand-daughter that will never know his love, see his smile, or hear his voice.

I am not the only one who mourns for Bryant. His senseless murder left six children without a father - Derrick, Tamirra, Kourtney, Bryant, Darryl and Danielle. His grief stricken father Charles, who eight months later would lose his wife Linda, Bryant's mother who said her heart was broken because she had lost her oldest baby. A dedicated brother Charles (when you saw one, you always saw the other). Two sisters Evette and Danyell (Evette passed away 3 months after their mother's death). My husband had one grandmother, loving godparents, many in-laws and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends. As long as we live we will never forget Bryant Curtis Jones nor will we ever forget Jamal Charles and Dwayne Drake who took him from us so violently and sudden.

We will always love and miss Bryant.

I feel that Jamal Charles and Dwayne Drake should be severely punished for taking Bryant's life. They should do the full time given to them. Bryant's life was worth more than a $1.00. Jamal Charles and Dwayne Drake should at least serve the age my husband was at the time of his senseless murder. Bryant was 42 years old. Nothing less with possibility of parole.

Conviction for Murder of 16-Year-Old Marcus McDowell

A Baltimore City jury convicted Rasul M. Brown, 23, of the 800 block of Gilrubin Court today of second-degree murder, two counts of use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, two counts of wear/carry/transport a handgun and first degree assault. The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for two hours today following four days of testimony. Judge John A. Howard scheduled sentencing for April 3, 2008 at which time Brown could face a maximum possible prison term of 98 years. Details:

On January 8, 2007 at approximately 8:00 p.m. police responded to the 5100 block of Harford Road for a shooting. Upon arrival, police discovered Marcus McDowell, 16, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and upper torso. McDowell is transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital, where he is pronounced dead. Witnesses testified at trial that Brown shot McDowell after McDowell rushed to the scene to help a friend who was involved in an altercation with Brown.

Brown is being held at the Detention Center without bail.

Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Phelps of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

Quote of the Day

Broadwater: "A dozen protestors marched Wednesday outside the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, demanding prosecutors drop all charges against the so-called 'MTA 9'"
Said Quentin Whaley Sr., 54, the father of one of the accused teens, "If someone spit in your face, what would you do? This isn’t 1857. This is 2008. We won’t be chattel property.”

Sentences in "Sweet 16" Murder

At a hearing today, Judge Charles G. Bernstein sentenced Jamal Charles, 17, of the 4000 block of Edmonston Ave. to 50 years in prison, 30 years for second-degree murder and a consecutive 20 years for use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. Bernstein also sentenced Dwayne Drake, 19, of the 3400 block of Dolefield Ave. to 40 years in prison, 30 years for second degree murder, a consecutive 10 years for use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence and a concurrent three years for wear/carry/transporting a handgun. Details:

Judge Bernstein called this case “extremely difficult” “tragic” and “senseless” and that his sentence “must express society’s outrage” that a “good man, a family man, a working man” has been taken from society and his family forever, shot in his own home.

Charles received the maximum sentence he faced under law: 50 years. Drake faced a maximum of 53 years in prison.

On April 14, 2006 Bryant Jones, a father of six, was shot and killed at his daughter’s sweet 16 birthday party. Several witnesses testified Drake and Charles were acting up and arguing at the party and that they both smelled of alcohol. Mr. Jones asked them repeatedly to leave stating that they were disrespecting his wife, his daughter and his house. The defendants left the house but turned and came right back demanding the dollar back that they had paid to get into the party. As they argued with Mr. Jones, Dwayne Drake said to Jamal Charles, “Show him how we take care of business in the hood.” Drake handed Charles an object. At which point Charles fired several shots at Mr. Jones, striking him in the arm, chest, and head.

Assistant State’s Attorney Rita Wisthoff-Ito of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

January 31

A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot in the face yesterday afternoon in a rowhouse near Bentalou Elementary.

Jose Bassat was found guilty of murdering Mister George.

Kevin Klink pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, and faces 13 years for killing Robert Brazell Jr. during a fight at Mt. Hebron High School in Ellicott City last year.

If I'm reading this story correctly, then Demarco Edward Brown is being charged with attempted murder for encouraging someone else to shoot a bicyclist in the legs. The "someone else" has not been ID'd.

In the Blotter: a home invasion, a McDonald's robbery, and an assault of a drunk.

A HarCo teenager was suspended and charged after leaving a gun, machete, and pocketknife in his car at school.

Charles Redfearn was charged with first-degree assault after an attack in Arbutus on Jan. 25 that involved fists, a knife, and hitting an old man with his own cane.

Delegate Talmadge Branch says we can't be trusted with Tasers.

Evening

Crazy barricade situation this afternoon in the 1700 block of Harlem Park Avenue on the west side. Man shot, tear gas used, schools on lockdown. Police called it a "home-invasion robbery gone very, very bad."

.... and the first police-involved shooting of '08 happened around noon at Northern Parkway and McClean Boulevard, a suspect was killed and no police were injured.

"Goof on the Roof" Ron Stach was ordered at a hearing to pay $750 or remain in jail for a year for failing to pay $43,000 in child support over 18 years. A good deal for Ron, for the kids, not so much.

Shot officer David Hare has organized a rally to support the Baltimore Police Memorial on Friday night starting at 5 p.m. at Max's on Broadway.

January 30

More info and a video on the shooting death of 16-year-old Dundalk resident Joshua Gibson.

Four murders in this week's Ink, including details on the domestic abuse of Lisa Holley.

The family of Antonio Martinez is angry, and the AAC cop who allegedly killed him in a hit-and-run hasn't been charged.

It's been a year since Sintia Mesa's beaten and naked body was found in the trunk of her car, and police are still actively investigating her murder.

Yesterday, there was a memorial service for Cecelia Brown Turner, one of the two people who was murdered in an Annapolis apartment a few weeks ago.

A 66-year-old editorial assistant at the Sun was attacked with a metal pole while he waited for a safe and reliable MTA bus in the 5600 block of The Alameda.

Javaughn Norman Adams, the guy who shot up Westfield Annapolis mall in 2006, got an extra year of jail time for stealing a puppy.

Three people testified against Monti Fleming, who is on trial for killing Shaun Powell in Columbia. Fleming is also charged with attempted murder in an unrelated shooting a week before Powell's death.

Are gangs of territorial Jews running amok in Randallstown?

The HarCo Guardian Angels are scheduled to start their patrols soon.

Night Update

Sun: "A month before Vernice Harris allegedly killed her daughter [Bryanna] by giving her methadone and beating her, the mother asked a Baltimore Department of Social Services caseworker for help but was turned away." Here's an earlier story on the case.

In the county, convicted sex offender Michael B. Martin, 46, was sentenced to 40 years in prison Monday for trying to hire a fellow inmate to kill a developer and to set fire to the house of a woman who had told people at her church about his sex abuse case.
(thanks non)

"Md. lawmakers consider scrap dealer law to address stolen copper"

Benjamin Evans of Annapolis was arrested Monday and charged with sexually abusing a 13-year-old friend of his granddaughter.

A Carroll County circuit court judge has dropped all charges against five former Bowling Brook staff members accused of causing the death of student/inmate Isaiah Simmons.

25 Years for Man Who Pushed Woman into Traffic

Judge John M. Glynn sentenced Charles Bostic, 62, of the 1800 block of West Pratt Street to 25 years in prison today. Bostic pled guilty to attempted second-degree murder November 21, 2007. Details:

On March 3, 2007 Bostic and the victim, a 54-year old woman, were walking in the 200 block of North Warwick Avenue when Bostic pushed her into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The driver could not avoid hitting the woman and called police. One eyewitness described Bostic’s actions as throwing the victim like “throwing a bag of trash.” Police apprehended Bostic one block away on Wheeler Avenue.

The woman suffered severe brain trauma, a damaged spinal cord, bruised ribs and a broken arm. She remains in a long-term care facility unable to care for herself. She can not speak, walk or write and is expected to remain in this condition for the rest of her life.

Assistant State's Attorney Kathleen Copsey of the Felony Family Violence Division prosecuted this case.

Eight Years for Nightclub Robber

From the SA's office, edited for style:
At a hearing today Alexander Reiff, 25, of Reston, VA, pled guilty to attempted armed robbery and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. Judge Timothy J. Doory sentenced Reiff to 20 years in prison, suspend all but eight years, first five years without the possibility of parole. Details:

On April 5, 2007 at 1:45 a.m. at Fantasies Nightclub, Reiff, David Robinson and Gregory Eaton entered the club armed with a 9 mm Ruger handgun and a 12-gauge shotgun, announced a robbery, and ordered approximately 20 patrons and employees to the ground. Eaton then discharged the shotgun into the ceiling. Two off-duty police officers removed their service weapons and shot Reiff and Eaton. Eaton succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to Shock Trauma. Reiff also was shot but survived his injuries as he was wearing a bulletproof vest.

Robinson was outside the club in a getaway Ford pick-up truck that they had stolen in Hyattsville earlier that night. Robinson fled the club and the abandoned truck was found near a relative’s house in Glen Burnie. Robinson pleaded guilty November 19, 2007 to attempted armed robbery and is currently serving a 15-year prison term.

Assistant State’s Attorney Michelle Martin, of the General Trial Division prosecuted this case.

January 29

An unidentified man was shot and killed near the corner of Church Rd. and Searles Rd. in Dundalk.
UPDATE: He was ID'd as 16-year-old Joshua Gibson.

Gary L. Hatfield was, indeed, murdered while working at a video store in Finksburg.

An off-duty AAC cop is being held for some fatal hit-and-run action.

Thomas Kaiser was indicted on a bunch of perv charges, including sending a victim to Pennsylvania to be molested by alleged perv Bruce Krumrine.

In case you missed it: Brandon Morris got life without parole, and Jeffery Wroten's family isn't happy.

A man and a woman were shot as they were walking into a house in the 3100 block of Chelsea Terr. early this morning.

A 22-year-old man was shot in the 800 block of W. Saratoga St. during a botched robbery on Sunday morning.

Also in the Blotter (above link), some breaking and entering and sleeping and peeing in Pikesville.

Huh. An inquiry found that a government agency screwed up in the case of Bryanna Harris. Imagine that.

And more government incompetence: Public housing is overrun with drug dealers and other criminals.

January 28

The 54-year-old manager of Finksburg's H & D Movie Sales was Carroll County's first murder victim of 2008. The Examiner quoted neighbors who quoted family members who quoted police who said that Gary L. Hatfield was beaten to death with a fire extinguisher during a robbery.

Two victims were ID'd in today's Blotter: Michael Johnson was shot on Friday afternoon at the corner of W. Lafayette Ave. and N. Payson St., and Sidney Millner -- one of the men who was shot at B&W Liquors on N. Stricker St. last Thursday -- died last night at Shock Trauma.

Also in the Blotter, a 16-year-old boy is in critical condition at Hopkins after being shot on Ready Ave. "for no apparent reason."

I missed this one on Saturday: John and Susan Griffin of Rodgers Forge were each indicted on felony child abuse charges.

An off-duty PG cop nailed the suicide half of her murder/suicide plan.

Police are seeking at least two teens for Saturday's attack on an MTA bus that was heading into the city from Towson on York Rd. Fortunately, the MTA spokeperson spared us the "safe and reliable" crap this time.

Skateboarding is not a crime. Videotaping the beatdown of a skateboarder, however, is.

We're all holding our breath for that piece of legislation, Mayor Moyer.

Not to toot Sheila's horn, but it's funny how O'Malley is running his mouth about crime when Bealefeld seems to be the one who's actually making some change. Oh, but wait. I read a little farther. It wasn't O'Malley's fault that he didn't get things done, it was the state's fault. Now I get it.

January 27

A teenager was shot in the stomach last night at Ready and McCabe Avenues in the Woodbourne-McCabe neighborhood (a mere block from Homeland, but worlds away). Reports have it the victim is still alive.

Yet another bus attack, this time right over the city line at York Road and Northern Parkway, and a "19-year-old sustained minor facial injuries."
Earlier this week, Wednesday, "an 18-year-old Carver High School student was standing at a bus stop at North Avenue and Bentalou Street ... when he was struck and kicked by three men in their late teens or early 20s who robbed him of two cell phones."

Meanwhile, two teenagers accused of the beating of Sarah Kreager will no longer face charges.

The Sun's Jeff Barker recounts the tale of Old Town Gators Coach Aaron McCown, who had a secret crime-ridden past.

President Bush is planning to visit East Baltimore this week. You don't need COPS if you got Jeebus!

January 26

A man was fatally shot in the back yesterday afternoon at the corner of Lafayette Ave. and Payson St. in West Baltimore.

Baltimore police officer Jerome K. Hill was "charged yesterday with assault after he allegedly punched an undercover detective who was posing as a man waiting to buy drugs."

A robber left a suspicious package at the Wachovia Bank in the 5300 block of Harford Rd. yesterday afternoon. The bomb squad is investigating.

The trial of Rasul Brown actually started. Brown is accused of murdering 16-year-old Marcus McDowell, a smart kid with no criminal record who was allegedly trying to protect his friends.

Best if you don't (inaudible) holler at Snoop.

A former Parkville Middle School teacher was arrested for trying to get it on with a mother and her two underage daughters.

Indictments in Toddler Deaths

Friday the Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Vernice Harris, 30, of the 7200 block of Ashland Avenue for first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Court documents allege Vernice Harris is responsible for the death of her two-year-old daughter, Bryanna Ashley Harris, on June 5, 2007 in the 1700 block of E. 25th Street. Harris allegedly went to check on Bryanna in a second floor bedroom and observed her not breathing. An investigation revealed a combination of blunt-force trauma to the abdomen and a substantial amount of methadone in the child’s system contributed to the death of the child. An arraignment is scheduled for February 19, 2008 before Judge John P. Miller, 428 Mitchell Courthouse.

On January 16, 2008 the Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Donte Spencer, 22, of the 3300 block of Burleigh Avenue on charges of leaving the scene of an automobile accident involving serious injury or death. The indictment alleges on May 20, 2006 Spencer was driving a vehicle in the 2300 block of Lauretta Avenue when he struck and killed Taemier Forrester, 2. Spencer will be arraigned at a later date. Police arrested Spencer earlier this week and he was released on $25,000 bail. Spencer faces a maximum prison term of 10 years.

Teenager Shot

The Jizz reports that a "male victime" was shot in the torso in the 3500 block of Spaulding Avenue; police are looking for three suspects.
(thanks Careful)

Ten-Year Sentence for Heroin Gel Caps

A Baltimore City jury has convicted Shannon Clifton Flint, 42, of the 1500 block of Montpelier St. of distribution of heroin, possessing heroin with intent to distribute and possessing heroin following a two-day trial. Judge Charles G. Bernstein sentenced Flint to 10 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

On December 4, 2006, at approximately 12:00 p.m. at the corner of Aisquith and Hoffman Streets, officers observed an exchange of US currency for small objects. Believing an illegal narcotics sale had just taken place, officers pulled over in an attempt to stop the individuals. The individuals began to walk away upon seeing the patrol car. Police observed Flint throwing to the ground a small black mesh bag. Recovered from the bag were 18 gel caps of heroin.

At the time of this incident Shannon Flint was on parole for a 1999 manslaughter conviction.

Assistant State’s Attorney Rita Wisthoff-Ito of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

Freakonomics does The Wire, episode 3

Sudhir Venkatesh and his thug pals are back for episode 3 of The Wire. And not to do a shameless plug or anything, but Venkatesh's book Gang Leader for a Day is fascinating.

Also, actress/murderer Felicia "Snoop" Pearson will reportedly be called as a witness to a stabbing on the block.

January 25

An unidentified man was fatally shot in the head just after midnight in the 900 block of Pennsylvania Ave.

Two men were leaving a liquor store on N. Stricker St. yesterday evening when a man walked into the store and shot them both. Neither has died, though one of them came mighty close.

Let's see if I've got this straight. Dad goes into the McDonald's at Northwood Plaza, and someone jumps into his van and drives away with all the kids inside. How many stupid people were involved in this scenario?

Leon Frederick Richards Jr. apparently has some pervy friends.

The Examiner's lead about last week's attempted prison break in Jessup speaks volumes: "A hole dug with crude tools. Bedsheets tied into a 200-foot rope. A prisoner wrapped in duct tape."

So if you didn't mean to kill him, jackass, what exactly was your goal? A soothing massage?

Hooray for witnesses!!!

Today's Blotter gives us a beating (at a safe and reliable bus stop), a stabbing, and some stolen sauce.

$150,000 worth of shoes were stolen from a Red Wing truck.

Treatment Funding Down, OD's Up

The Sun's Stephanie Desmond summarizes drug-overdose death stats from UMBC:

"deaths due to drug or alcohol intoxication increased 14 percent in 2006, compared with those in the previous year. Most of the increase was in deaths associated with multi-drug combinations. Cocaine-associated deaths in conjunction with opioids increased more than 100 percent from 2005 to 2006 and fentanyl-associated deaths increased by 200 percent ... heroin deaths have dropped sharply since the late 1990s, but still make up more than three-quarters of the drug deaths in the city. In the meantime, methadone deaths have more than tripled since the late 1990s. There were 283 heroin deaths in the city in 1999, as compared with 150 in 2006. During the same period, methadone deaths jumped from 16 to 61."

The Health Department says that 2005 had the fewest OD's in a decade. Between 1996 and 2005, drug-treatment funding tripled, thanks largely to George Soros' Open Society Institute. But after 2005, funding began to decline, apparently: while the CP reported that there were 8,295 treatment slots in '05, there are 7,250 today. Most drug-treatment money does not come from the city but from the state and non-profit donations.