On Oct. 1, Gregory Whitfield, 20, rejected a prosecution offer to plead guilty to one court of first-degree Murder, two counts of firearm use in a felony or violent crime, and one count of attempted first degree murder.
Prosecutors claim the crime stemmed from a gang-related dispute involving the so-called “YRN” and Monroe/Mosher” rival groups, although the prosecution won’t be allowed to make the argument in trial.
Under the would-be deal Whitfield could be sentenced to life, suspend all but 50 years and an additional five years served concurrently for a related case, with another case dismissed–all that followed by years probation.
Judge Jeannie Hong, of the Baltimore City Circuit Court,informed Whitfield that if he does not take the deal, he could face a maximum of three consecutive life sentences, plus, 90 years. She also stated that his co defendant, Bishop Chance, 20, was previously sentenced to life plus 40 years will allow him to get out first.
Whitfield declined the offer and asked for a jury trial.
On July 16, 2024, at approximately 5:43 p.m., Baltimore Police responded to the 2400 block of Frederick Avenue following reports of a shooting. Officers located Theodore Burrell, 20, lying in front of a Wells Fargo Bank, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his left leg and torso. He was transported to a nearby trauma center, then pronounced deceased at 6:23 p.m.
Before admitting the jury, defense counsel, Roya Hanna motioned to strike a jail call, but Judge Hong left this up to the three attorneys to resolve.
Hanna also wanted any mention of the defendant’s alleged gang affiliation excluded from trial, which Judge Hong granted.
Other defense requests included a motion to strike body worn camera footage taken by law enforcement as it contains graphic material but the judge said it was admissible.
Police identified a secondary crime scene in the 2400 block of Frederick Avenue, where a .22-caliber firearm, multiple 9mm and .40-caliber shell casings, fragments, and suspected blood were recovered.
A motion to strike the gun and DNA linked to the defendant was rejected by Judge Hong–that even though the suspect was wearing gloves during the shooting.
Jury selection is underway.
