Defendant Pleads Guilty to 2021 Thanksgiving Attempted Murder

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A Baltimore teen accepted a 20-year plea alongside his defense counsel Natalie Finegar on Sept. 13, before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John Howard on Sept. 13.

Andrew Abiola is charged with first and second-degree attempted murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, conspiracy to use a firearm during a felony violent crime, having a handgun on his person, and conspiracy to having a handgun on his person.

Abiola, 19, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder for 20 years in prison, suspending all but five years and three years probation. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use a firearm for a concurrent sentence of 20 years in prison, suspending all but five years.

According to a news release, officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Glenwood Avenue after 2 p.m. for a reported shooting. Officers found an 18-year-old man inside with multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

The prosecution said Abiola paid a visit to the home of his former stepdad and stepbrother. Abiola left the house and returned angry with another masked man. Abiola said he was angry because his stepbrother was allegedly abusing his two younger sisters.

The two men confronted the stepbrother and his father, allegedly shooting his stepbrother in the process.

The victim was able to identify Abiola as one of the attackers.

When given a chance to address the courtroom, Abiola mentioned his mental health. He said he attended Kennedy Krieger Institution and stopped taking his medication months before the incident.

Defense Natalie Finegar and Abiola said this could be the reason for Abiola’s actions or the level of reaction that was displayed at the time of the incident.

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