‘He Should Get More Time,’ Says Victim’s Family As Defendant Requests Sentence Modification

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A 27-year-old convicted homicide defendant motioned to have his sentence modified by at least five years before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Gregory Sampson on Sept. 15.

Darron Brown Jr. was convicted of first-degree murder in 2017 in connection to an incident on July 5, 2016.

According to Baltimore Fox, around 12:55 a.m., officers found 28-year-old Travis Powell and a second unidentified victim suffering from gunshot wounds around Laurens Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Powell succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital.

Defense counsel for Brown, Janine McClure, informed the court that the request for modification was made on April 6. Brown has had no incidents in the correction facility from 2017-2019.

McClure continued to boast about Brown, saying he has received his GED and is looking into attending college.

She also pointed out that he is currently taking medication to address his depression.

The prosecutor objected to any modifications, saying the defendant is not entitled to anything. She said Brown has violent tendencies citing that he had nine incidents while imprisoned.

While on probation, Brown shot two people, claimed the prosecutor, jail did not change him, and neither will the streets.

During impact statements, the victim’s mother said her son had two kids who are still mourning the death of their father. “He should pay for what he did,” said the victim’s mother, stating that he shouldn’t be allowed to go home.

The victim’s aunt gave a statement saying, “I miss my nephew.” He didn’t deserve what he got, she said. His life was cut short and we will never see him again. The victim’s aunt also said she doesn’t think the defendant should ever be able to come home. “He should get more time.” She stated that they all have been traumatized from the incident.

Brown took his opportunity to address the court, saying he was going through a lot with his kid. Brown took full responsibility for all his actions saying he was trying to better himself and his life.

Judge Sampson asserted that it is not unusual for people to ask for modification and explain why they should have one. Nonetheless, the judge said it was difficult to justify why someone would shoot someone in the back multiple times and denied the motion to modify the defendant’s sentence.