Defendant Heads to Trial for 2018 Murder

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A 34-year old man was offered a plea of life for first-degree murder before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn on March 14. 

Damien Woods is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction in connection to an incident on Nov. 4, 2018.

During reception court Judge Phinn listened as the prosecutor presented a plea of life for first-degree murder. 

Woods and his defense attorney Amy Stone, rejected the plea offer.

According to the Baltimore Sun, officers were called to the 2400 block of Francis Street at 5:35 a.m. on Nov. 14, 2018, for a ShotSpotter alert. They found the body of 34-year-old Tracy Whiting who was pronounced dead on the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. 

Detectives believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between the two. Three years later on Aug. 18, 2021, detectives received a warrant for Woods’ arrest and he was charged a week later. 

Woods’ trial is scheduled for May 24 with Judge Yolanda A. Tanner presiding.