Judge Continues Hearing So Alleged Domestic Shooter Can Consider Offer

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On Dec. 18, a 32-year-old defendant could not make an informed decision whether to accept or reject a 10-year plea offer from the prosecution before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

Mario Emmanuel Jones of Columbia, Md., is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, having a handgun on his person, having a loaded handgun on his person and firing a gun in Baltimore City in connection to a shooting on July 10.

The prosecution offered Jones a plea of 40 years, suspending all but 10 years, for attempted second-degree murder and a concurrent five years without parole for having a handgun on his person. Jones would also be required to serve five years of probation, complete the Abuser Intervention Program at the House of Ruth, have no contact with the victim outside of child custody hearings and complete drug and alcohol screening if necessary.

Jones did not decide on the offer because his attorney, Natalie Finegar, told him she would meet with him to discuss the terms.

Judge Phinn continued the hearing to Dec. 22, so Jones could have time to consider the offer.

Jones allegedly shot through his ex-girlfriend’s front door during an argument on the 1500 block of East Lanvale Street.