Defendant in 1999 Murder Case Appears for First Status Update Following Release

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On March 14, a Baltimore man charged as an adult at the age of 16 for first-degree murder appeared for his first status update before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kendra Y. Ausby.

On Jan. 7, 2002, defendant Jason Louis Murdock was convicted and sentenced to life with five years of supervised probation for first-degree murder and a consecutive sentence of 20 years for having a handgun on his person and using a handgun in committing a crime.

According to the Baltimore Sun, on Nov. 20, 1997, Murdock was arrested alongside Andre Patterson, then 16, and Nebell Gunn, then 19, in connection to the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Byong Wan Pan on the 4400 block of Old York Road during an attempted robbery.

According to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, an individual sentenced to life is required to serve a minimum of 15 to 20 years before becoming eligible for release.

On Feb. 15, 2023, Murdock, 41, was released to serve his probation.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Murdock, who is represented by Robert S. Brennen, informed the court that since his release, he has achieved getting his learner’s permit and attended regular meetings for Narcotics Anonymous.

Murdock has participated in No Struggle, No Success – which is a program that discourages new offenses by providing skill development for formerly incarcerated persons.

Judge Ausby asked the defendant if he had encountered any problems since he was “last in society.”

“Not at all,” said Murdock.

Judge Ausby reminded the defendant of his obligation to appear monthly to provide status updates and advised the defendant that he will not have to appear as often once he is “more established in the community.”

“I recognize people cannot be bombarded,” said Judge Ausby.

Murdock’s next status update hearing is scheduled for April 19.