Baltimore Man Rejects Plea Offer

By Alyssia Davis [former] - November 15, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A 25-year-old Baltimore resident who was allegedly involved in a homicide rejected a plea offer before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland on Nov. 15. 

Jaqwaun Owens, 25, is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a violent crime, and two counts of possession of a firearm with a felony conviction in connection to the murder of 40-year-old Justin Bucalo on Feb. 18.

Judge Copeland listened as the prosecution presented a plea of life for first-degree murder and 20 years to run concurrently for use of a firearm in a violent crime. 

Owens and his defense attorney, Matthew Connell, rejected the plea. In addition, Owens waived his Hicks date, which is his right to be tried within 180 days of his first court appearance. 

According to the Baltimore Sun, on Feb. 18 at approximately 12:17 p.m., officers with the Baltimore Police Department responded to reports of gunshots on the 5100 block of Queensberry Avenue in Northwest Baltimore. On arrival, officers found 40-year-old Justin Bucalo suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by medics, police said. 

Police noted that Owens was arrested while on the 3900 block of Dolfield Avenue and charged with Bucalo’s murder. 

Owens’ trial is scheduled for May 23, 2022, with Judge Dana Middleton presiding.