Lamonte Sherman, 31, is set to serve 30 years for his role in deaths of two 28-year-old men during a shooting that occurred at an East Baltimore apartment over two years ago.
Multiple members of the two victims’ families were present in court as Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey M. Geller handed Sherman his sentence on April 20. The sentencing came three days after Sherman pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and three firearm violations in the deaths of Phillip Brown and Michael Saffold.
Charging documents state that on Dec. 3, 2023, Baltimore City police officers arrived at the 3600 block of Greenmount Avenue to find multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Brown was pronounced dead on scene, while Saffold was transported to John Hopkins Hospital. Saffold succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased later that day.
Investigators recovered clothing, blood, cigarettes, three projectiles and 10 .45-caliber casings from the scene. Two witnesses were transported to the homicide unit to be interviewed.
The witnesses helped identify the suspect as Sherman through photographic arrays. Physical evidence found on scene further corroborated their statements.
At his sentencing hearing, the court heard impact statements from Brown’s aunt, grandmother and daughter, as well as Saffold’s mother and father.
“The Lord teaches us to forgive, but today, your honor, I take this to my grave, because I will never, ever forgive him,” said Saffold’s mother.
Defense attorney Roya Hanna explained that Sherman had been attempting to better himself after serving prior prison terms, but that easy access to guns led him to commit further infractions. He had previously been sentenced to 20 years, suspending all but 15 for a firearm charge in 2014.
Hanna stated Sherman’s family had been caught in a cycle of violence and expressed hopes it stops with Sherman.
As the hearing concluded, Sherman delivered an apology while the victims’ families shook their heads in disbelief.
