16-Year-Old Defendant Pleads Guilty in 2022 Attempted Murder Case

By Hannah Rainer [former] - December 5, 2023
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

On Nov. 29, a teenager appeared in a packed courtroom accused of attempted murder following an incident in September 2022.

Key’Shawn Shaw, 16, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, second-degree assault, conspiracy to commit second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, conspiracy to use a firearm in a felony violent crime, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm as a minor, having a loaded handgun on his person, conspiracy to have a loaded handgun on his person, having a a handgun on his person, conspiracy to have a handgun on his person, illegal possession of ammunition, and discharging firearms in connection to an incident that occurred on Sept. 28, 2022.

The hearing began with defense attorney Roland Harris, who expressed concern that Shaw’s acceptance of a plea for first-degree assault would preclude him transferring out of adult court and into juvenile court.

Originally, the prosecution made an offer for 25 years, suspending all but 15 years, for first-degree assault with five years of probation to follow, and five years for firearm use in a felony violent crime to run concurrently with the first sentence. Additionally, the prosecution included the dismissal of another case in which Shaw was charged as part of the deal. However, Harris objected, stating that these sentences were well above the mandatory minimum. 

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Videtta A. Brown let the two attorneys step into the hall to come up with a new agreement, as she stated that in order for the hearing to proceed, a decision had to be made. After a few minutes the two attorneys returned with a modified agreement.

The prosecution’s new offer was for 25 years, suspending all but 10 years, for first-degree assault and five years for firearm use in a felony violent crime to run concurrently with the first sentence. Dismissal of Shaw’s second case was retained in this new agreement. Harris stated that he and his client were both satisfied with this agreement and accepted the plea. 

After finding him guilty on both charges, Judge Brown then sent the parties over to Judge Melissa M. Phinn to postpone his second case to the same date as his sentencing in this matter. 

Shaw is set to be sentenced on March 6, 2024. His second case is set to be dismissed on that date as well.