Judge Sentences Accomplice in Teen’s Murder to Life After Denying Retrial Motion

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

On July 24, a judge sentenced a conspirator in a teen’s murder to life in prison after his attorney unsuccessfully motioned for a new trial.

Kevin Dudley, 41, was sentenced to life, suspending all but 55 years for first-degree murder, and five years to be served concurrently for the illegal possession of a regulated firearm, in connection to the death of 18-year old Kozee Spriggs on June 3, 2021, on the 1300 block of Ensor Street.

Before the sentencing, defense attorney Anne-Marie Gering brought on a preliminary motion for a new trial, as during testimony, a family member of Spriggs came into the courtroom wearing a white dress with bright red letters spelling out the victim’s name, as well as hearts surrounding her name.

Gering argued that this may have emotionally swayed some of the jurors, as the distance from the witness stand to the jury box was a mere 38 inches, and many jurors were seen to have shaken hands or hugged the family member before leaving.

However, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Yolanda A. Tanner respectfully denied the motion, stating that, “I am not the fashion police,” and that many members of the Baltimore community wear articles of clothing that commemorate their deceased loved ones.

The prosecutor started her argument by stating that Dudley was, “ready, willing and able to offer help to his confederates,” therefore that is why the state of Maryland has accomplice liability laws in place. No one else has been charged for Spriggs’ death; however, Dudley was accused of being the getaway driver for the unknown suspects.

“When do we say it is enough?” the prosecutor asked the judge, as Dudley had a history of being involved in drugs and violence.

Many family members of the victim chose to give impact statements, all conveying their sense of loss.

“I still got work to do,” stated one family member, as the jury did not convict Dudley of pulling the trigger, meaning there are other people out in the community who were involved in the crime and have not been convicted yet.

Gering argued Dudley’s behalf, stating that he had not had a conviction since 2008, when he also converted to Islam. She said he has been happily married for 24 years and has eight children, who he continues to have contact with.

Dudley chose to give his own statement as well, stating that he was trying to give the victim a ride home after she told him she was drunk. He also talked about how he stopped getting involved in criminal activity after seeing his own friend getting shot right in front of him.