A Baltimore man accused of homicide was given a plea offer on Nov. 2 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn.
Garrick Powell, 28, is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a violent crime, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, and having a handgun on his person for allegedly shooting Dante Barksdale outside of the Douglass Homes housing project. on Jan. 17.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Judge Phinn listened as the prosecution presented a plea of life, suspending all but 50 years, with five years probation for first-degree murder.
Powell and his defense attorney, John Cox, rejected the plea offer. In addition, Powell decided to maintain his Hick’s date, which is his right to be tried within 180 days of his first court appearance.
Barksdale was the leader of Safe Streets, an anti-violence program in Baltimore.
