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By
Ethan Russo
- August 14, 2025
Attempted Murder
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Daily Stories
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stabbing
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Defendant Jaylean Weeks pleaded guilty to assault in the second degree on Aug. 14, but was not sentenced by the court.
Weeks, 18, is charged with attempted murder and assault in the first- and second-degree, reckless endangerment, and firearm use in a violent crime in connection to a July 2024 incident that occurred at an apartment complex on the 4200 block of York Road.
Officers responded to the scene on July 29, 2024, to find the victim in severe pain, suffering from a knife wound and multiple bite marks. After being transported to a hospital, she alleged shevwas a close acquaintance of Weeks and voluntarily met with him at the incident location.
During their encounter, Weeks drew a firearm and threatened her. As the victim attempted to flee, Weeks withdrew a knife and attempted to stab her in the neck. The victim sustained a knife wound to the hand and several bite marks on the right shoulder, arm, and leg.
Before the hearing, the prosecution and Weeks’ attorney, Janet Anderson, agreed to a plea deal, dropping all charges but second-degree assault. The sentence was plead down to all but time already served, with a concurrent five years of supervised probation. Weeks was also to enroll in a counseling program and would be prohibited from future contact with the victim.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Paul J. Cucuzzella declared he was not comfortable approving the sentence. He stated that the transfer report for Weeks’ case from juvenile to adult court describes a young man with a history indicating he may pose a danger to public safety. Weeks also has a child.
In response, Anderson noted that Weeks is working toward his GED, has secure relationships with his mother and aunt, and intends to live with the latter upon release from prison.
While agreeing that there are positives, Judge Cucuzzella stated that the court needs to hear a fully formed plan, given Weeks’ age. The court would also like to hear testimony from Weeks’ mother and aunt to determine whether he will be entering a stable home environment.
Weeks ultimately accepted the plea deal, admitting guilt to second-degree assault and waiving his right to transfer the case back to juvenile court. The court delayed imposing a sentence.
The trial will continue next week on Wednesday, Aug. 20, giving the defense six days of preparation to address the court’s concerns.