Engelwood Man Takes Plea in N. Charles Street Murder

By Andrew Michaels - August 24, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting |

A 29-year-old man accepted a plea offer in connection to his alleged involvement in a shooting that left another man dead earlier this year.

Philip Blankenship, an Engelwood, Md. resident, was charged with first-degree murder and firearm use in a violent crime after he allegedly killed Randolph Jones on the 1300 block of N. Charles Street on March 25. Witnesses reported that a fight occurred between Blankenship and Jones when the former pulled out a handgun and shot Jones in the torso.

On Aug. 24 at Baltimore City Circuit Court, the prosecution also told Judge Melissa M. Phinn that Blankenship and Jones were allegedly arguing over money.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the prosecution offered Blankenship a plea of 20 years, suspending all but five, without parole, and 40 years, suspending all but 25, and five years probation to run consecutively for both charges. Under the plea, Blankenship will also register as a gun offender.

The offer was previously presented on Aug. 3 but had not yet been shared with the defendant.

Jones’ sister attended reception court on Tuesday, describing what happened to her brother as “a tragedy.”

“[My brother] didn’t deserve to die,” she said. “He and [Blankenship] were both living rough lives, obviously. I hope that Mr. Blankenship knows what he did was wrong.”

The victim’s sister also said life has been a struggle since Jones’ death, especially because his children will grow up without their father.

The start of Blankenship’s sentence was on March 26. He was represented by defense attorney Ann Marie Gering.