Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Hope Tipton sentenced 20-year-old Charles Baisey of Washington, D.C. to serve a 25 years in prison on Feb. 17 for his involvement in a shooting that occurred over a year ago in Southeast Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood.
For the charge of attempted second-degree murder, Baisey received a sentence of 30 years, suspending all but 10. That term will be followed by a consecutive sentence of 15 years, suspending all but 10, for using a firearm in the commission of the crime. Upon release, Baisey will be required to serve five years of supervised probation, stay away from the victim and register as a gun offender.
Baisey initially faced 10 charges in connection to the Canton shooting, which occurred Dec. 7, 2024 on the 2200 block of Boston Street. In exchange for the defendant’s guilty plea last November, the prosecution agreed to dismiss his remaining eight charges.
During the sentencing hearing, the prosecution noted Baisey had been involved in previous crimes as a teen, leading to multiple encounters with the juvenile justice system. She argued the defendant often blamed being “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” failing to take accountability for his past offenses, and suggested that his behavior showed a pattern of escalating criminal activity.
Defense attorney Mary Lloyd Patton asked Judge Tipton to consider granting her client a lower sentence, noting Baisey had only been 19 years old at the time of the offense. She pointed to research that suggests young adults are more easily influenced by poor decision-making and their peers.
Surveillance cameras in the area of the shooting reportedly captured the victim stepping out of a white Honda Accord when a dark grey Acura with Maryland plates pulled up alongside him. Three individuals with firearms were seen exiting the vehicle and continuing to open fire as the victim attempted to flee.
Prior to sentencing, Baisey’s father took the opportunity to address the court.
“I’ve made mistakes in my own life and was given a second chance,” he said. “I’m asking the court to consider giving my son that same opportunity.”
