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By
Baltimore Witness Staff
- December 4, 2024
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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Yolanda Tanner sentenced a 27-year-old murder defendant to life in prison plus 15 years on Nov. 18.
Ameer Gittens was convicted of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction after killing 20 year-old Antwan Andrews, outside his car with one co-conspirator on Oct. 31, 2021.
As part of his sentence, Judge Tanner said that Gittens would serve the first five years without the possibility of parole.
Defense attorney James Sweeney began the hearing by requesting a retrial because the jury found a partial verdict. Gittens was found guilty of first-degree murder, but not guilty of firing a handgun.
The prosecution argued that knowing the shooter’s identity would not help the jury prove Gitten’s responsibility in the murder.
Judge Tanner decided in favor of the prosecution.
The prosecution asked that Gittens serve the maximum penalty for the charges because of his past criminal record. Gittens received a life sentence earlier this year for the kidnapping and murder of two Baltimore residents three weeks before Andrews’ death. Gittends will serve the two sentences consecutively.
Judge Tanner addressed the defendant directly and said she would consider reducing his sentence on the condition that he take psychiatric medication and display good behavior while incarcerated.