On July 7, Raekwon Griffin, 25, took a plea deal for the murders of Brian Palmer, 26, and Darrin Stewart, 33.
On Aug. 5, 2021, police responded to the 4300 block of Flowerton Road. and found two victims with gunshot wounds in their car. Three minutes after the fatal shooting, an anonymous 911 call alleged that the suspect who shot and killed the victims got into a white Subaru sedan. Detectives found the vehicle the day after the murders and recovered fingerprints of Griffin’s in the vehicle.
Cell data records also show Griffin’s phone was likely at the location at the time of the crime, and he had been in contact with Palmer earlier that day. It was revealed Griffin disconnected his number right after the murders occurred.
Griffin was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery and two counts of firearm use in a felony violent crime.
Griffin, who was 21 at the time of the murders, pleaded guilty to murder, firearm charges and armed robbery. He agreed to a life sentence, suspending all but 60 years, five years without the possibility of parole. All sentences are set to run concurrent with each other. Griffin will also have five years of supervised probation and have to register as a gun offender when released.
Griffin has been incarcerated since Oct. 2021 and will receive credit for the time he has already served.
Defense attorney Natalie A. Finegar wanted a life sentence, suspend all but 50, while the state wanted 70. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kimberly C. McBride met counsel halfway.
Palmer’s mother, Stewart’s mother, Griffin’s mother and Griffin gave impact statements before the proceeding ended.
While Palmer’s mother said she appreciated Griffin for owning up to his mistakes, Stewart’s mother said this has been the worst experience of her life.
On July 8, the defense filed for a motion for modification and a reduction of sentence. The request is currently being held under advisement.
