A Baltimore man accused of a January downtown shooting incident is expected to serve three years behind bars following his sentencing before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Michael Anthony DiPietro on Oct. 8.
Judge DiPietro sentenced 23-year-old K’Hova Barfield to three years in prison in one case and a consecutive five-year sentence in a separate case, suspending all but time served.
Barfield pleaded guilty on Aug. 25 to illegally possessing a 9mm pistol during a Jan. 30 shooting incident that occurred downtown.
Officers responding to the crime scene on the 400 block of W. Saratoga Street recovered a 9mm handgun covered in blood, 53 black bags of crack cocaine, and multiple shell casings, including six 10mm casings and one live round.
Defense attorney James Sweeting III noted Barfield sustained a severe gunshot injury to his left eye socket that requires ongoing medical attention and future surgery. Prior to his sentencing, Barfield addressed the court, expressing concern about undergoing surgery while incarcerated, as well as a desire to reunite with his children.
“I just want to be able to see my kids and take care of them,” he said, adding that his children are currently under the care of his aunt but still under the protection of Child Protective Services. “You won’t be making the wrong decision — you’ll be saving my life.”
Sweeting argued for a period of probation rather than incarceration, citing Barfield’s medical needs and his willingness to enter treatment programs and find stable housing.
However, the prosecution sought five years of incarceration, highlighting Barfield’s repeated offenses. The prosecutor noted Barfield was previously arrested in December on drug distribution charges before being arrested again just weeks later allegedly with narcotics and a firearm on his person.
Judge DiPietro acknowledged Barfield’s serious injuries and the steps he has taken toward accountability, but also emphasized the broader impact on Baltimore’s communities.
“I can’t ignore the continued conflict,” said Judge DiPietro as he handed down Barfield’s sentence. “The people of Baltimore deserve better.”
