Judge Sentences Chronic Offender to Life Plus 10 Years

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On Dec. 9, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Paul E. Alpert sentenced a homicide defendant to life in prison plus ten years.

Steven Gibson, 40, was originally charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, carrying a handgun on his person, and possessing a firearm with a felony conviction. 

The jury found Gibson guilty of all counts in the fatal shooting except possessing a firearm with a felony conviction. The prosecution pointed out that Gibson is a chronic offender incapable of abiding by the law.

In response, defense attorney Sarah West spoke about Gibson’s background, saying he was surrounded by poverty and drugs and that he had difficulty with probation. 

West asked Judge Alpert to suspend all but 50 years due to Gibson’s age and his children. Alpert denied the request.

“There must be punishment,” Judge Alpert said. “Gibson has had opportunities to rebuild himself,” continued the judge.

Gibson apologized to the family but maintains he didn’t murder Nathaniel Mack on May 6, 2023. Officers responded to the 2100 block of Hollins Street and observed Mack suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officer testified he looked at three different cameras in the area from May 8, 2023, two days after the shooting, which showed Gibson walking in the area. 
Prosecutors also argued that ​​Gibson’s cell phone was also detected in the area around the time of the murder.

There are no further hearings scheduled in this case.