Defense Counsel Motions to Modify Convicted Yale Avenue Murderer’s Sentence

By Alyssia Davis [former] - November 8, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Defense counsel Michael Cooper motioned to have a convicted homicide defendant’s sentence modified on Nov. 7 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Anthony Vittoria.

While impressed by defendant Ricardo Burks’ progress in prison, the judge expressed concern for how the defendant would react to stress outside of prison. 

On Dec. 20, 1991, Burks was found guilty of second-degree murder, and handgun use in committing a crime in connection to the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Marvin Odell Willis III.

According to the Baltimore Sun, on June 11, 1991, officers were called to the 400 block of Yale Avenue where they spoke to Willis’ girlfriend who informed them that she found the victim’s body in their home.

Cooper stated that his 62-year-old client has been in jail for over 30 years and has completed over “several programs.” He also mentioned that Burks hosts a ministry for other inmates including for those who are in the prison hospital. 

While applauding the defendant for his accomplishments, the prosecutor stated that it is expected for people in prison to do well. He argued that the defendant should not be given another chance since he was already given one by Judge Marcus Shar in 2017 when his sentence was modified. 

During his impact statement, Willis’s son said, “Although the prison helped straighten him out, I could care less if Burks stays in jail or not.”

“His father was a good man,” said Burks when addressing the court. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility.”

Unable to render a decision Judge Vittoria decided to hold the case sub-curia, noting that he will give his decision within a few weeks.