‘I Don’t Think My Actions Were Wrong,’ a Convicted Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Tells A Judge During Sentencing

By Alyssia Davis [former] - October 11, 2022
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Victims |

On Oct. 5, a 43-year-old Baltimore resident convicted of the non-fatal shooting of a maintenance worker was given a sentence of 40 years in prison before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer. 

Tionn Casey was convicted of first-degree assault, use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, and discharging firearms on July 18. 

Initially, Casey was charged with first and second-degree attempted murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, use of a firearm during a violent crime, having a handgun on his person, and discharging firearms in connection to an incident on Aug. 13, 2021. 

Judge Schiffer sentenced the defendant to 20 years for first-degree assault and 20 years with the first five years without the possibility of parole for use of a firearm during a felony violent crime. The sentences are set to run consecutively. The defendant was also sentenced to one year for discharging firearms, which is slated to run concurrently.

“The victim got called to do his job, I have no idea how this level of violence resulted from the victim doing his job,” Judge Schiffer said. “The victim has a constant reminder of what happened to him in August 2021.”

Judge Schiffer said he took the defendant’s lack of a prior criminal history into consideration. 

Judge Schiffer said he would consider modifying Casey’s sentence if he does well while in prison.

The prosecutor asked for the maximum sentence for the defendant, suggesting that he should get 20 years in prison for first-degree assault; 15 years in prison for use of a firearm during a felony violent crime and 1 year in prison for discharging firearms. All charges are set to run consecutively. Giving the defendant a total of 36 years. 

“I am unable to physically work and play with my grandkids,” the victims told the judge. “Recovering from the gunshot has been difficult. I want him to receive the maximum sentence.” 

Casey’s defense counsel Brandon Taylor said he understands the sentence that the prosecutor suggested, but this is his client’s first conviction. He believes that the sentencing guidelines should be used to sentence the defendant. 

“Casey testified his truth”, said Taylor, “he never said he tried to kill the victim.” The defendant’s sentence should be individualized to him and not his crime, he said, continuing with “Casey has a spotless criminal record prior to this incident.” 

Taylor argued that his client’s sentencing should be done fairly. 

He also noted that when his client was younger, he took care of his brothers. He lived on his friends couches after his dad lost the family home and has been employed for decades after high school. 

“Casey stays out of the way”, said Taylor. 

Lastly, Taylor informed the court that every time he saw his client, he always had injuries like stab wounds in his heads as well as a broken hand.

Taylor asked the Judge Schiffer to sentence Casey to 5-7 years in prison. 

“I don’t think my actions were wrong but do apologize to the victim for shooting him and leaving him to walk with a cane after the incident,” Casey said.