Attempted Murder Defendant Rejects 55-Year Prison Sentence

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On July 11, a 27-year-old attempted murder defendant rejected a plea deal for 55 years in prison during reception court before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland.

Michael Armstrong, 27, is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, two counts of possessing a firearm with a felony conviction, two counts of illegal possession of ammunition, having a handgun on his person, having a loaded handgun on his person, reckless endangerment and firing a gun in Baltimore City in connection to an incident on Feb.19.

The prosecution offered a plea deal to Armstrong of 80 years, suspending all but 40 years, the first 10 years without the possibility of parole and five years of supervised probation for attempted first-degree murder and consecutive five year sentences without the possibility of parole for firearm use in a felony violent crime and firearm possession with a felony conviction.

The offer entailed a total of 95 years, suspending all but 55 years, serving the first 25 years without the possibility of parole and five years of supervised probation.

Armstrong’s defense attorney Augustine C. Okeke rejected that plea deal on Armstrong’s behalf.

The six-day trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 3 before Judge Judge Melissa M. Phinn.
According to a Baltimore Police Department (BPD) press release, detectives arrested Armstrong for a shooting on Feb. 19. Detectives said Armstrong allegedly shot a 42-year-old woman on the 4500 block of Powell Avenue after a dispute.