Sentence Reduced for Get-Away Driver in Homicide

By Cynthia Eapen [former] - December 6, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

A Baltimore man allegedly involved in a shooting as the getaway driver was offered a reduced sentence on Dec. 6 before Baltimore City Circuit Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer. 

Jerry Cruz, 20, was charged two counts of first-degree murder, felony use of a firearm in a violent crime, minor possession of a firearm, having a loaded handgun in a vehicle, and having a loaded handgun on his person. 

After reviewing information regarding the case, the prosecution realized that Cruz was an accessory to the crime since he drove himself, and his co-defendant, Ulises Lopez, away from the scene after Lopez allegedly shot and killed Sergio Jones on March 16, 2021 around 3:57 p.m. on the 400 Block of South Lehigh St. 

Cruz accepted an offer where he would plead guilty to accessory after first-degree murder and testify in Lopez’s trial. The prosecution said that testified truthfully during the trial and had never previously been arrested or convicted. 

The prosecution recommended a sentence of four years, suspending all but time served, and three years probation. Additionally, the mother of the victim provided a statement where she said a small prayer before Judge Schiffer. 

Defense attorney Raymond O. Griffith said the defendant had no prior record and was trying to apply for jobs and college. He also mentioned that his family was very supportive and invited the defendant’s older sister to share a few words. 

Cruz’s older sister said she believed her brother had changed for the better and could see this change through his letters, which he wrote to her while she was away from the family. 

Griffith told the judge that Cruz was unaware of what was happening at the time of the incident. During the trial, the defendant admitted that he was smoking marijuana and was very scared to testify. Cruz also complied with the home monitoring unit and had already served 19 months. 

Defense counsel made the recommendation for a sentence of probation since Cruz had demonstrated a propensity to change. 

The defendant was also given an opportunity to address Judge Schiffer and said he felt very remorseful for what happened and wanted to be given the chance to do better. 

Taking all facts into consideration, Judge Schiffer sentenced the defendant to five years of supervised probation with no home monitoring and that the defendant had to be in school or employed. 

The prosecution dismissed all other charges.