‘I Can’t Change What I Did,’ Says Double Homicide Defendant Sentenced to Two Life Terms

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

Dandre Woods-Bethel, 29, betrayed little emotion as Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Paul E. Alpert sentenced him to two life terms plus 28 years to be served consecutively for a double-homicide and related crimes.

Three other victims were fired upon but weren’t hurt.

“I can’t change what I did,” Woods-Bethel told the court at the close of a five year legal struggle to resolve the case which hinged on whether Woods-Bethel was criminally responsible for his bizarre actions.

He was charged and convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder, five counts of firearm use in a felony violent crime and one count of having a handgun on his person.

“I must commend my Homicide Unit for seeing this challenging case through and ultimately securing justice for the loved ones,” said Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates in a release.

The case stems from a Sept. 12, 2020, incident. At approximately 6:35 p.m., Woods reportedly left his home with an AR-15 rifle and shot Julie Rice, 46, and Michelle Green, 23, after he said voices in his head urged him to do the shooting. The two women victims died from wounds sustained in the torso.

After the shooting, Woods-Bethel called 911 to turn himself in. Police recovered four 9mm shell casings and a projectile from the porch on the 2800 block of Clifton Park Terrace. A total of five to six gunshots were fired.

“I wasn’t in the right state of mind, I was trying to protect my family,” Woods-Bethel told the judge, emphasizing his struggle to control his delusional behavior.

The defendant was found mentally incompetent to stand trial in July 2023, but after further evaluation declared competent last December in that he understood what was happening in court and could participate with his lawyer.

His defense attorney Maureen O’Leary, argued that Woods-Bethel suffers from substance-induced psychotic disorder and requested that he serve only one life sentence with mental health treatment.

Despite the life sentences, Judge Alpert tried to moderate punishment with the possibility of parole.

“The defendant showed remorse which is a good first step, I pray he gets rid of his delusions,” Judge Alpert stated.

Security for the proceeding was tight as half-a-dozen deputies monitored the courtroom anticipating an emotional response from the victims’ families. Although it’s been almost exactly five years since the crime was committed, the aunt of one of the victims told the court that the pain of that day abides and that her niece lives on in memory.

“Julie [Rice] was kind, loving.” As for Woods-Bethel, she said because of her faith she is praying for his forgiveness.

No family member was apparently present to support Woods-Bethel as he awaited judgement.

“I am ready for what you give me. I understand that they lost their peoples,” said Woods-Bethel.

During the proceeding, the victim’s family, visibly shaken, reacted with anger and one person began to sob uncontrollably.

No further proceedings were scheduled.