‘Probably Not His Best Decision,’ Defense Attorney Tells Judge

By Baltimore Witness Staff - May 23, 2022
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A Baltimore man with multiple prior handgun convictions accepted a plea of 25 years on May 18 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Yolanda A. Tanner.

Franklin Randall, 41, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, second-degree attempted murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm possession with a felony conviction, having a handgun on his person, having a loaded handgun on his person, discharging firearms, and illegal possession of ammo.

Judge Tanner listened in as Randall’s defense attorney, Michael Tomko, presented a counter plea of life suspending all but 20 years with 5 years of supervised probation for attempted first-degree murder charge, along with 5 years without the possibility of parole for the use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, to be served concurrently. 

Under the plea, Randall must have no direct or indirect contact with the victim and must register as a gun offender. 

The prosecution accepted the plea and presented the facts of the case. 

On Feb. 5, 2021, police were notified of a shooting at the 5400 block of Reisterstown Road. The victim planned to meet his ex-wife outside of a parking lot. The two had a child custody agreement and the victim’s ex-wife was meant to deliver their child. Instead, the victim’s ex-wife and Randall showed up to the meeting spot and had a verbal altercation. This resulted in the victim speeding away in his car and Randall shooting at the vehicle. 

The victim suffered from two gunshot wounds, including one to his right leg. The victim managed to get to his mother’s house and his mother rushed him to an area hospital, where he received multiple surgeries for his leg but survived the attack. 

Video from the incident was captured, including images of a silver Jeep with tags registered to Randall. The video was shown to the victim, who was able to identify himself and Randall. 

“This is probably not the best decision Mr. Randall could make in his life,” Tomko told the judge.

Tomko also said that Randall and the victim’s ex-wife were longtime friends and Randall became aware of mistreatment towards her on the victim’s part. The defense also reiterated that the crime was inexcusable. 

“I know, looking at your two 1999 handgun convictions, along with an assault and attempted murder from 2001, that I would have given you a very different sentence,” Judge Tanner responded.

“It seems when you leave a house with a handgun,” Judge Tanner continued, “either you find trouble or trouble finds you.” 

After the hearing ended, Randall and his wife, who was present and visibly upset during the hearing, exchanged “I love yous” as he was taken from the courtroom.