Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy denied a motion to transfer 17-year-old Samijae Canada to the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) on Nov. 14 before sentencing him to 60 years for his role in the 2023 homicide of Ronald Wagner.
Judge Handy called the ruling “not an easy decision to make,” noting that both sides presented strong arguments on amendability. The defense highlighted Canada’s extensive traumatic history, including the 2022 murder of his brother, witnessing his cousin being shot, and early childhood abuse. Defense attorney Robert Linthicum said Canada has been asking for treatment since his detention and struggled with mental health issues from a young age.
A licensed neuropsychologist testified that Canada would benefit from long-term trauma treatment and was concerned about him returning to the community “too soon.” Judge Handy recommended individual and trauma therapy but found that DJS could not meet his needs, denying the transfer.
During sentencing, prosecutors requested a 60-year sentence, arguing that Canada ran to a vehicle first and shot Wagner six times as Wagner attempted to drive away. They presented video evidence showing Canada handling a firearm after the incident and stated he had multiple opportunities to reform while incarcerated.
Linthicum argued Canada is doing the best he can and read a letter from his mother, who wrote that he “deserves to come home, grow, and heal.” Judge Handy said both families were deeply affected but found Wagner’s mother’s statement of grief “more compelling.”
Judge Handy said Canada showed no sympathy after the shooting, noting he waved his firearm around after the shooting as if showing it off. She sentenced him to 40 years for murder and 20 years consecutively for firearm use, the first five to be served without possibility of parole. Depending on his behavior, Canada may become eligible for parole upon serving half his sentence.
The defense plans to appeal the decision.
