Defendant Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter after Victim Ejected From Car in Central Forest Park

By Andrew Michaels , Alyssia Davis [former] - March 15, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

“Nothing will bring Tayshawn back.”

On March 14, the aunt of 20-year-old Tayshawn Walker read an impact statement from the victim’s mother as the family gathered for the sentencing of defendant Datuan Blanchard before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn.

The 23-year-old defendant was initially charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent manslaughter, and reckless endangerment for Walker’s death on July 15, 2020, in the Central Forest Park neighborhood. During Tuesday’s proceedings, Blanchard accepted the prosecution’s plea offer of three years, suspending all but one year, and three years of supervised probation for criminally negligent manslaughter.

Defense attorney Michael Cooper stood in for the defendant’s attorney, Judit Otvos.

“This case has been dragged out,” the aunt said on her sister’s behalf. “She lost her only son.”

According to charging documents, Baltimore Police Department officers were called to the intersection of the 3900 block of Liberty Heights Avenue and the 3400 block Berwyn Avenue for a reported collision. Further investigation revealed that Blanchard was driving a 2008 Acura TL and speeding with Walker in the front passenger’s seat. Blanchard then lost control of the car, drove over a curb, and struck a pole, ejecting Walker from the car.

Walker was pronounced dead at the scene, and Blanchard was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.