‘The Past Is Prologue to the Future,’ Says Judge Before Sentencing Boarman Avenue Shooter

By Hannah Rainer [former] - September 28, 2023
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

Emotions were high during the Sept. 27 sentencing of a defendant found guilty in connection to a non-fatal hooting incident on Boarman Avenue.   

Jarell Speaks, 21, was charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, five counts of reckless endangerment, firearm use in a felony violent crime, possession of a firearm as a minor, carrying a handgun on his person and discharging a firearm. 

According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, surveillance cameras captured Speaks with four other individuals on the 2800 block of Boarman Avenue on May 10, 2022. They came upon another group and in the ensuring gunfire at least five people were wounded. Speaks was identified as a suspect because his car matched one found at the scene. 

Prior to asking for a Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John A. Howard to pass sentence, the prosecution ran through the surveillance footage from the case, expressing their belief that Speaks was a threat to public safety. The prosecution then asked for a total of 29 years in prison, with all sentences running consecutively. 

“He has no consideration or regard for human life,” stated the prosecution.  

Defense attorney Michael Tomko said the case lacked witnesses, which confused the jurors. He asked for a 25 years concurrent sentencing, suspending all but eight.

“His personality is different than what the papers say,” said Speaks’ father in an emotional plea to the judge. 

When Judge Howard reviewed the case he considered Speaks’ criminal history, which included attempted homicide as a juvenile.

“The past is prologue to the future,” said Judge Howard.  

He sentenced Speaks to 25 years in prison, suspending all but 15 years with five years of supervised probation to follow. Two charges, one for possession of a firearm as a minor and one for carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle, from a separate case were sentenced to run concurrently to the 25 year sentence.

For the first charge, Speaks received five years; for the second charge, he received three years.