Eutaw Street Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty

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A 25-year-old man appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey M. Geller and pleaded guilty as his bench trial was scheduled to begin for a fatal shooting on the unit block of North Eutaw Street, which killed 31-year-old Antoine Johnson.

The defendant, Tanare WIlliams, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, agreeing to serve 40 years, suspending all but 10 years, and a consecutive sentence of 20 years, suspending all but five years without the possibility of parole, for firearm use in a felony violent crime. Williams will also serve five years of probation upon release and register as a gun offender.

The prosecution argued that on Jan. 4, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers received a call from a Eutaw Street location. There they found Johnson lying face down with a gunshot wound. Johnson was making a bank withdrawal when the suspect allegedly drew a firearm.

Williams’ attorney, John Cox, argued that Williams acted in self-defense, claiming that Johnson had a weapon and was attempting to rob Williams. Cox mentioned that Williams showed remorse for the shooting.

Johnson’s mother spoke in court, describing her struggles since the loss of her son, calling the defendant a coward for accepting a plea deal. Williams wished to remain silent.