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By
Tomas Coles
- February 21, 2025
Attempted Murder
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Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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A teen shooting defendant got in trouble at his sentencing hearing on Feb. 21 for repeatedly using vulgar language.
“F*ck this sh*t, man,” yelled Ethan King after Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry G. Williams postponed his sentencing date. King was also overheard berating his friend’s haircut to, “cut that sh*t, man.” As a result the prosecution called King’s behavior disrespectful claiming he used even more explicit language during the hearing.
A jury had previously found King, 19, guilty of attempted first-degree murder, firearm use in a violent or felony crime, use of an assault weapon with a magazine, firearm possession with a felony conviction, and related conspiracy charges.
In response to King’s outburst, Judge Williams summoned him to the bench him, saying he was in contempt and the case could immediately go to sentencing.
Defense attorney Jason Rodriguez initially requested a postponement until late March because King is scheduled for a mental health evaluation on March 6. The prosecution objected stating that both the defense and the court failed to order a pre-sentencing investigation during King’s December 2024 jury trial.
Rodriguez also apologized to the court for the comment King made regarding his friend’s haircut shortly before the court called morning recess. Judge Williams accepted the apology.
King will return to court for sentencing on March 18.