3 Men Sentenced to Life for Killing Teenager in $$50 Dispute

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Three co-defendants who fatally shot a close friend during a dispute over $50 received life sentences from Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer on Sept. 16 for their involvement in what the prosecution called a “calculated act of violence” that left 19-year-old Darcell Mitchell dead.

Davon Butler, 19, Charles Bowen, 21, and Randolph Washington, who was 17 at the time of the crime, were convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and related firearm charges in connection to the fatal shooting, which occurred Feb. 20, 2024 on the 800 block of W. Lexington Street. Mitchell was found unresponsive at the scene and later died of gunshot wounds.

“He was angry, furious that he couldn’t get $50 from Mitchell,” the prosecution said about Bowen, insinuating he planned the robbery out of resentment.

Prosecutors in Bowen’s case asked Judge Schiffer for a sentence of life plus 20 years, claiming Bowen allegedly asked Butler and Washington to continue with the robbery.

Bowen’s mother and his two sisters addressed the court on behalf of the defendant, portraying him as “the backbone of his brothers.”

“He has never been given the opportunity or guidance,” Bowen’s sister said, noting their lives were marked by difficulties and struggles.

Judge Schiffer ultimately sentenced Bowen to life, suspending all but 100 years, followed by five years of supervised probation upon release.

After delivering Bowen’s sentence, Judge Schiffer sentenced Butler to life plus 20 years, and Washington to life, suspending all but 50 years.

“This was not a random act of violence,” the prosecution told the court. “It was a planned robbery, and when things went south, they shot him.”

Prosecutors cited Butler’s history of juvenile offenses and his possession of a handmade sharp weapon while incarcerated in December. They also claimed Butler’s “high offender score” demonstrated an inability to compose himself while detained.

Judge Schiffer called Butler the “most culpable” in the case and admitted that his possession of a weapon in detention heightened her concern. She ordered his sentence to include placement in a youth offenders program, and ultimately imposed a life term.

Mitchell’s mother read to the court a poem she wrote describing the loss of her son, drawing praise from Judge Schiffer.

“The fact that all of this happened over $50 is unfathomable,” said Judge Schiffer.

Judge Schiffer acknowledged the co-defendants’ relative youth could have led to poor decision-making, but said the violent evidence in the case outweighed those considerations.

“The family of Darcell Mitchell will never see him grow up and have a family,” she concluded.