Excessive Drinking Led to Shooting Among Family on West North Avenue, Defense Says

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A 26-year-old Baltimore man pleaded guilty for his role in a non-fatal shooting among family members that defense counsel said was fueled by excessive drinking.

On Sept. 3, Kvon Allen Smith appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Cynthia H. Jones for a scheduled trial. The defendant, who was initially facing attempted murder and assault charges, opted to plead guilty to firearm use in a felony or violent crime for a sentence of ten years, suspending all but five years with the possibility of parole, and five years of supervised probation.

Smith is required to stay away from the victim and register as a gun offender. He must also undergo drug and alcohol screening and treatment upon his release.

According to the prosecutor, Smith and his cousin, 34-year-old Wondetta Shaw, were arguing with Shaw’s brother on the 1200 block of West North Avenue on Dec. 6, 2023. Baltimore Police reviewed city surveillance footage that showed Shaw shooting at her brother’s Jeep multiple times before handing the gun to Smith who fired one shot.

The co-defendants then followed the victim as he walked away. The prosecutor said the victim punched Smith, knocking him unconscious.

Shaw is currently scheduled for a jury trial on Sept. 24 before Judge Levi S. Zaslow.

During Tuesday’s plea hearing, Smith’s defense attorney, Koryn High, said the defendant had been drinking excessively on the night of the shooting. High noted that Smith’s drinking had been “exacerbated” due to his brother’s death.