Defendant Rejects Plea of 2 Life Sentences for Christian St. Murder

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A Baltimore man accused of fatally shooting 36-year-old Roy Henry Cantler III in November rejected a plea of two life sentences on April 1 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn

Taiwan Mitchell, 39, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of possession of a gas/air pellet gun in connection to an incident on Nov. 13, 2021.

According to a news release, Mitchell was arrested for allegedly shooting Cantler after a dispute on the 2200 block of Christian Street.

On Friday, Judge Phinn listened as the prosecutor presented a plea of life for first-degree murder and a consecutive life sentence for attempted first-degree murder. The prosecutor informed the court that the plea offered has not yet been approved, which is subjected to change; however, Mitchell and his defense attorney, Brandon Patterson, rejected the plea.

Mitchell maintained his Hick’s date, which is his right to be tried within 180 days of his first court appearance. 

The defendant’s trial is scheduled for Oct. 18 before Judge Anthony Vittoria.

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