Jesse Earl Stanton, 66, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder and two firearm charges on Oct. 6 in connection to a March shooting at a local grocery store. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Yolanda A. Tanner sentenced Stanton to 35 years, with 25 years actually to be served, followed by five years of supervised probation.
According to the charging documents, Baltimore police responded to the 300 block of South Monroe Street on March 8, 2026, for a reported shooting. Police said a man got into a dispute with a male employee inside the store before leaving and returning several minutes later with a silver semiautomatic handgun. The man allegedly pointed the firearm at the employee who was behind the counter and fired several shots. Police recovered five shell casings and three projectiles from the scene.
During the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance footage and identified a white Nissan connected to the suspect. A license plate reader search led investigators to identify Staton as a suspect. The victim later identified Staton in a photo array.
During the proceedings, the prosecution discussed a plea deal offered to Stanton. Stanton rejected the initial plea offer. The prosecutor said they would leave the plea on the table until jury selection.
The prosecution said that they could not offer an assault charge but would consider a plea to attempted second-degree murder. Stanton ultimately chose to enter an open plea to attempted second-degree murder and firearm charges.
The court also reviewed surveillance footage from the incident. The footage showed Staton allegedly yelling and threatening the victim before leaving and returning to the store, where he began shooting at the victim and the plexiglass counter. Judge Tanner described the footage as “pretty shocking.”
When given the opportunity, Staton apologized and said he was not trying to hurt anyone. Judge Tanner responded, “Then what were you trying to do?”
Judge Tanner sentenced Stanton to 30 years for attempted second-degree murder, suspending all but 20 years. Stanton received an additional 10 years for firearm use in a felony or violent crime, suspending all but five years, consecutive to the attempted murder sentence. He also received five years for firearm possession in connection with a crime of violence or felony, concurrent with the firearm use sentence. Stanton was also sentenced to five years of supervised probation.
