Judge Won’t Modify Convicted Killer’s Sentence

By Sage Cho - March 18, 2025
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Victims |

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Hope Tipton denied defense counsel’s request to modify the sentence of Kenneth Craig, 61, who was convicted in October 2022 for the first-degree murder of Shakita Thomas, 36. 

Defense attorney Natalie A. Finegar requested a modified sentence of 40 years, suspending all but 25, claiming that her client’s failing health and poor physical condition made him less of a threat to society. Craig was left partially paralyzed due to a broken pelvis he suffered while incarcerated, leaving him with limited mobility and physically unable to receive certain labor credits in prison.

According to charging documents, officers responded to the 500 block of East Jeffrey Street on April 18, 2023 for a call regarding a woman suffering multiple stab wounds. Upon arrival, they observed Thomas on the ground bleeding from her face and neck and transported her to the University of Maryland Trauma Resuscitation Unit. She was pronounced dead despite lifesaving measures.

The witness who alerted the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) to the scene later testified that he was driving in the area when he saw Thomas “get knocked out” by Craig. Craig allegedly told the witness to mind his own business, leading the witness to dial 911. 

On April 19, 2023 Thomas’ mother advised BPD that her daughter’s boyfriend, “K.C.,” was the murderer and provided his phone number and description of his van. Craig was allegedly in the area of East Jeffrey Street searching for Thomas prior to her death.

A Maryland Vehicle Administration search revealed that Craig owned a 1990 Chevrolet van with a Maryland tag, and officers were able to place it near the crime scene the day of the incident. BPD stopped and towed the van on April 20, 2023. Craig was transported to homicide, where he consented to DNA swabbing of his mouth.

On July 14, 2023, forensic investigators completed a DNA report that closely matched the blood found at the crime scene to Craig’s the genetic sample.

The prosecution urged Judge Tipton to consider Craig’s multiple weapon, assault, and domestic violence offenses between 1988 and 1993, as well as a parole violation from 1991.

“It takes sheer force for someone to stab Ms. Thomas like that,” said Judge Tipton before rejecting the defense’s modification request. “The court does, in fact, believe Mr. Craig is a danger to society.”

Craig will receive backdated credit for his incarceration beginning July 28, 2023. He will serve 40 years and become eligible for parole consideration after serving 20 years.