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By
Ziqi Zhou
- March 4, 2025
Court
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Homicides
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Shooting
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A 42-year-old Baltimore man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and firearm use in a felony or violent crime on March 4 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge M. Brooke Murdock in connection to a fatal shooting last summer.
Leon Spencer was initially charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime and firearm possession with a prior felony conviction in connection to the July 16 death of 32-year-old John Parrish. According to the Baltimore Police Department, Spencer shot Parrish following a verbal altercation in the 3200 block of Lawnview Avenue.
The prosecution offered Spencer life in prison, suspending all but 40 to 50 years, with five years probation and mental health treatment for first-degree murder. For firearm use in a felony or violent crime, they offered Spencer a concurrent 20 years, the first five years without the possibility of parole.
Spencer’s defense attorney, Natalie A. Finegar, accepted the deal on his behalf. Spencer has previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
Spencer’s disposition is scheduled for May 28 before Judge Murdock.