Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Jasmine Milbourne
- June 17, 2025
Court
|
Daily Stories
|
Homicides
|
Shooting
|
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge LaZette Ringgold-Kirksey denied bail for Donte Brown, 43, on June 17 after prosecution argued there was “overwhelming evidence” he murdered 22-year-old Tavon Hutton in 2021.
On Jan. 31, 2023, Brown was found guilty of first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, having a handgun on his person and firearm possession with a prior felony conviction in connection to the W. Saratoga Street murder.
During his first trial, Brown previously pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite his plea, a jury found him guilty of the first three charges, and he was ultimately sentenced to life plus 35 years. The final two charges were not sent to the jury.
On April 14, his case was remanded for a new trial after defense counsel appealed to the Appellate Court of Maryland.
Staci Pipkin, Brown’s defense attorney, requested that the defendant be held on full lockdown at his mother’s residence until his new trial starts. Pipkin argued that he had been the victim of a “vicious attack” at the Central Booking & Intake Facility and expressed concern for his safety.
The prosecution reiterated the facts of the case, noting the victim was paraplegic and area cameras that caught Brown allegedly shooting the victim in front of children. They also brought up Brown’s eight prior convictions, two failures to appear summonses and a federal arrest.
Ringgold-Kirksey denied the motion for bail, stating there was no reasonable condition for release.