Defendant Accepts Plea in Case of Family Dispute Which Ended in Non-Fatal Shooting

By Jade Tabbs [former] , Brian Cohen [former] - July 7, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

During a reception court hearing before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M Phinn on July 6, a defendant accepted a plea for a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 2, 2022. 

The defendant, Keith Hill, was facing charges of assault in the first-and second-degree assault and using a firearm in a felony violent crime. 

On the sole charge of first-degree assault, the prosecutor offered Hill, 31, five years, suspending all but the six days he served when he was originally arrested. 

Along with the terms of the plea, Hill also must continue to follow a no-contact order for the victims.

Defense attorney Donald C. Wright and Hill accepted the plea offer.

According to the statement of facts, the dispute initially started on Instagram between Hill’s daughter and her cousin. The dispute then spilled over into the streets of the 1100 block of Powell Street around 2:35 p.m. 

Hill arrived at the location of the incident to confront the victims. At this point, the victims alleged that Hill opened the flap of his jacket and revealed a handgun. In turn, the victims shot Hill. Hill then left the scene and walked into shock Trauma, suffering from a gunshot wound to the elbow area. 

Upon investigation, no gun was recovered on Hill or at his residence. Hill also has no prior convictions related to gun charges.

Without knowing the location of the gun that Hill was allegedly threatening to discharge, Judge Phinn hesitated to accept the plea deal. Judge Phinn commented on how this past Fourth of July weekend, there was a spike in shootings and violence in Baltimore. Judge Phinn went on to say that she would be more comfortable if the firearm was in the possession of the police but decided to accept the plea.