Korey Hopson, 24, and Charles Robinson, 27, were both sentenced to life plus 30 years on May 6 for their involvement in the death of a 17-year-old boy in the Mosher neighborhood nearly two years ago.
Both defendants were found guilty last September for the fatal shooting of Denzel Johnson and the non-fatal shooting of another teenager on May 25, 2024. They were charged with first- and second-degree murder, assault and multiple firearm violations.
According to court documents, Johnson died from his injuries at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. The crime scene extended from the 900 block of N. Dukeland Street to the 2700 and 2800 blocks of Prospect Street, which intersect. Multiple fired casings were recovered from the scene, along with other physical evidence.
Investigators learned after viewing private surveillance footage from the 2700 block of Prospect Street that a white-colored SUV had traveled east down Prospect Street while an unknown person wearing a white shirt fired a gun from the back-right passenger window. Investigators were able to continue tracking the suspect vehicle utilizing Baltimore CitiWatch cameras.
Detectives from the homicide unit, accompanied by the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, began canvassing for the vehicle, which was identified as a Nissan Rogue. Detectives observed the Nissan Rogue traveling eastbound through the 4600 block of Rokeby Road and began to follow. It drove off the road into the wooded area on the 3900 block of Stokes Drive, and two individuals exited.
Detectives then observed what they believed were flames near the Nissan, and began approaching the vehicle in an attempt to apprehend the suspects before it could be set on fire.
The two suspects fled northbound on foot into the woods and were ordered to surrender and lay on the ground. Hopson complied and the other fled.
After arresting Hopson, detectives recovered a cellphone from his person.
T-Mobile location data revealed both defendants’ cellphones were tracking together. Both devices pinged cell towers in the location of the vehicle after the defendants fled the murder. Robinson was also previously seen in the suspect vehicle days before the incident.
At sentencing, victim impact statements were shared by the victim’s mother and uncle, who requested the maximum sentence for both defendants. The prosecution claimed Hopson was a poor candidate for rehabilitation, as he has previously violated probation and has a history of substance and drug possession.
Defense attorney Donald Wright expressed sorrow towards the victims’ families before asking Judge Hong to provide Hopson with proper rehabilitation.
“There are no words I can say that can ease their suffering, those words don’t exist,” said Wright. He asked the court to punish and rehabilitate Hopson without being excessive, asking for a life sentence, suspending all but 40 years.
Robinson’s grandmothers and aunt provided a statement after defense attorney Tony Garcia asked for Robinson’s supporters to briefly stand. Over 30 attendees responded. Garcia said Robinson has no history of violence, asking for a life sentence, suspending all but 30 years.
Both defendants were sentenced to life plus 30 years. Robinson also received an additional five years for a separate firearm violation.
