Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in Ruskin Ave. Shooting

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A Baltimore man charged with homicide rejected a plea offer during reception court on Sept. 15 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland.

Sean Melton Jr., 29, is charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a violent crime, having a handgun on his person, and having a loaded handgun in a vehicle.

According to the Baltimore Police Department, Melton was involved in an argument with the 43-year-old victim on the 2200 block of Ruskin Avenue on June 24, 2019. The victim, who attempted to walk away after the argument escalated, was followed by Melton who allegedly shot the man before leaving the area.

The victim was taken to Shock Trauma where he later died from his injuries.

Melton was quickly identified by members of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force and arrested the following day.

Judge Copeland listened as the prosecution offered a plea of life, suspending all but 60 years, and five years probation for first-degree murder. Defense attorney Linda Zeit rejected the offer on her client’s behalf.

The case will move forward to a jury trial, which has not yet been scheduled.