Defendant Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Murder in Case of Fatal Stabbing

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A defendant charged with murder plead guilty on Nov. 14 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lynn Stewart Mays.

Kenneth Smith, represented by Jonathan Kerr and Megan Lewis, was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and having a deadly weapon with the intent to cause injury in connection with an incident that occurred on June 28, 2020.

According to the prosecutor, Smith, 62, and Brelan Handy, 29, are accused of fatally stabbing 67-year-old Paul Behler on the 300 block of W. Saratoga Street. A knife was located on Smith when he was arrested, which later tested positive for the victim’s and the defendant’s DNA.

Judge Mays informed the defendant that his guilty plea would result in a minimum sentence of life, suspending all but 40 years with five years of supervised probation. The maximum sentence he could face is life, suspending all but 60 years with five years of supervised probation.

Handy, who Tony Garcia represents, began jury selection for his trial in this case on Monday, and it will continue on Nov. 15.

Smith’s sentencing will take place Jan. 13, 2023, at 11 a.m. before Judge Mays.

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