Judge Postpones Sentencing for 78-Year-Old Defendant Accused of Fatally Stabbing Girlfriend

By Ting Hong [former] - February 27, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A Baltimore man who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder had his sentencing hearing postponed before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Charles Blomquist on Feb. 24. 

In September 2022, defendant Ronald Tazewell, accepted a guilty plea of 40 years, suspending all but 20 years with five years of supervised probation for second-degree murder in connection to the murder of his girlfriend Stephanie Chandler.

According to charging documents, Tazewell, 78, turned himself in after stabbing Chandler with a kitchen knife on Feb. 23, 2021, for being unfaithful in their relationship.  

During Friday’s hearing, defense attorney Deborah Levi requested a postponement to locate appropriate housing for her client.

Levi stated that the hospital that Tazewell currently resides in is the “most filthy place I have ever seen.” She requested for more time to prepare for the sentencing and to find an appropriate assisted living faculty for the defendant after he is sentenced. 

Judge Blmoquist granted a brief postponement for the defense attorney to prepare for the sentencing hearing as Tazewell’s age presents “some unique challenges.”

Tazewell’s sentencing is rescheduled for April 20.