Judge Sentences Defendant to Time Served After He Shot Victim Who Robbed His Nephew

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

A 27-year-old Baltimore man accused of “avenging his nephew” after he was robbed received a sentence of time served for gun and conspiracy charges in connection to the incident early last year.

On Jan. 13, Malique Mayfield and defense attorney Leonard Gutkoska appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Nicole K. Barmore for a scheduled trial. However, the prosecutor informed the court that she “lost a witness” in the case. Given the circumstances, the prosecution presented the defendant with a new offer of five years for having a loaded handgun in a vehicle and a consecutive five years, suspending all but time served, for conspiracy to having a loaded handgun in a vehicle.

This plea required Mayfield to serve three years of supervised probation and register as a gun offender.

Mayfield was previously offered 15 years, suspending all but 10 years, the first five without parole and three years of supervised probation for assault and weapons charges. He was also facing attempted first and second-degree murder charges in addition to other weapons charges.

During the proceeding, the prosecutor said Mayfield shot at the victim who was allegedly responsible for robbing the defendant’s nephew earlier in the day on Feb. 4, 2024. The nephew then called Mayfield who found and shot at the alleged robber.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Witnesses reported hearing 10 to 16 gunshots, the prosecutor added, while 15 shell casings were found at the scene.

Gutkoska asked Judge Barmore to stay within the sentencing guidelines, which are a minimum of probation and maximum of three years incarceration. Defense counsel argued for an 18-month sentence for his client as the shooting charges no longer pertained to the case.

“I’m sorry, your Honor,” Mayfield said. “I’m just trying to get back to my son. …I’m not a bad person.”

Considering Mayfield had no prior convictions, Judge Barmore sentenced the defendant to three years, suspending all but time served, and four years of supervised probation for having a loaded handgun and the same sentence for conspiracy to having a loaded handgun to run concurrently. Mayfield must also register as a gun offender.

The defendant received credit for the 298 days already served.