Attempted Murder Defendant Rejects 25-Year Plea Offer

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An attempted murder defendant rejected a plea offered by the prosecution on Feb. 22 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

Samal Chavis and his defense counsel Todd Oppenheim, a stand-in for James Sweeting III, rejected a plea of life, suspending all but 25 years with five years supervised probation for first-degree attempted murder. Upon release, the defendant must also stay away from the victim.

Chavis, 28, is charged with first and second-degree attempted murder, first and second-degree assault, the use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, reckless endangerment from a vehicle, having a handgun in a vehicle, having a loaded handgun in a vehicle, having a handgun on his person, and having a loaded handgun on his person in connection to the shooting of a 36-year-old woman on March 21, 2022.

According to a news release, on the day of the incident, officers were called to the area of Stafford and Parksley Avenue for reports of a shooting. On arrival, officers found the victim suffering from an apparent gunshot to the face.

The victim was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

Chavis’ trial is scheduled for Aug. 1. It is expected to last four days. A judge has yet to be assigned to the case.