Homicide, Attempted Murder Cases Pushed to Mid-Summer, Early Fall

By Andrew Michaels - May 25, 2021
Daily Stories | Homicides | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide case and several attempted murder cases were postponed to mid-summer and early fall on Tuesday during postponement court before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

First on the May 25 docket was the case of Lawrence Wilson Jr., 28, who is facing charges of first-degree murder, firearm use in a violent crime, and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction.

The prosecution submitted a plea offer of 60 years, suspending all but 25 years, with the first five years without parole and five years probation. While the offer was rejected, a new postponement date was scheduled for Wilson on Aug. 23 to provide defense counsel with time to review evidence pertaining to the case.

The case of Keon Rice, 29, was also called before Judge Phinn as the prosecution offered a plea deal of life, suspending all but 25 years, for one count of attempted first-degree murder and five years without parole to run concurrently for his firearm use in a violent crime charge.

Additional charges against Rice included attempted second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm possession with a felony conviction, illegal possession of a firearm, having a handgun on his person, and discharging a firearm.

Defense attorney Hunter Pruette requested a motions hearing for evidence on July 9. Judge Phinn approved. A trial is scheduled for July 14.

A plea deal was offered to Tyrese Jefferson, 21, who is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm use in a violent crime, illegal possession of a firearm, having a handgun on his person, discharging a firearm, and illegal possession of ammo.

Jefferson was offered a plea deal of life, suspending all but 20 years, the first five years without parole, and five years supervised probation was offered for one count of attempted first-degree murder and one count of firearm use in a violent crime.

Defense attorney Robert Cole said he has not informed Jefferson of the offer but anticipates it will be rejected. A trial is scheduled for Sept. 29.

Fox45 News reported that Jefferson allegedly shot a 37-year-old man in the abdomen last October around 2 a.m. on the 500 block of Rappolla Street. Jefferson was arrested nearly three weeks later.

A motions hearing for Victor Jennings, 42, was also scheduled for July 26. Jennings is facing charges of attempted murder.