Defendant in Brehms Lane Murder Gets Plea Offer, Co-Defendants May Join Case

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One of three men accused of murdering 15-year-old John Lewis during a fatal shooting in East Baltimore this May heard a plea offer before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland on Sept. 19.

Rodsheead Alexander, 34, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and 13 firearm violations for his involvement in the May 7 shooting, which took place on the 3500 block of Brehms Lane. Lewis was transported to an area hospital for treatment, where he was ultimately pronounced deceased despite medical efforts.

During the Friday hearing, defense attorneys Karyn Meriwether and Sheri Scott-Redwood noted they had received a plea offer from the prosecution of 40 years, suspending all but 25, for the first-degree murder of Lewis; as well as a consecutive 20 years, the first five without parole, for allegedly using a firearm to execute the murder. As the plea was conveyed the day prior, parties agreed to keep the offer open until the next hearing date.

Alexander and his attorneys are now set to reappear in court Dec. 5. Judge Yolanda A. Tanner will review attorneys’ motion to join Alexander’s case with those of his 19-year-old co-defendants, Zion Wimbish and Ra’Shawn Smith.

To allow counsel time to prepare for the motion hearing and receive pending ballistics and DNA evidence, Alexander agreed to waive his right to speedy trial.