Georgia Man Accused of Shooting Mother’s Neighbor Rejects Plea

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A 39-year-old Georgia man accused of shooting his mother’s neighbor rejected a plea offer of 50 years on March 31 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

Alejandro Gonzalez is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm during a violent crime, and having a loaded handgun on his person in connection to the incident on Sept. 4, 2021.

The defendant allegedly shot Travis Ben-Watkins, his mother’s neighbor, on the 5000 block of Corley Road after an ongoing dispute, the Baltimore Sun reported.

On Thursday, Judge Phinn listened as the prosecutor presented a plea life, suspending all but 50 years, with five years probation for first-degree murder and a concurrent 20 years, the first five without parole, for use of a firearm during a violent crime.

Gonzalez and his defense attorney, Andrew Jezic, rejected the plea. 

Gonzalez’s trial is scheduled for Nov. 15 before Judge Cynthia H. Jones.