Judge Sentences Man Convicted of Rape and Murder of Elderly Woman to Life in Prison 

By Alyssia Davis [former] - January 3, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A Baltimore man was sentenced to life in prison for rape and murder before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer on Jan. 3. 

“Everything in this case is a tragedy,” Judge Schiffer said. She continued by mentioning that the victim was 83-years-old when she was attacked in her own home and raped multiple times. The victim was left for dead.

Judge Schiffer sentenced Tyrone Harvin to life in prison for first-degree murder and first-degree rape. He also received a concurrent three years for the use of a deadly weapon with the intent to injure. 

On June 29, 2022, Harvin, 18, was convicted to first-degree murder, first-degree rape, and use of a deadly weapon with the intent to injure in connection to the rape and murder of Dorothy Mae Neal on the 2400 block of Winchester Street on Aug. 29, 2018.

The prosecutor said the defendant was 14-year-old at the time of the incident. The defendant seemed to target women who were alone and isolated, she said. 

Based on evidence at the trial, Harvin’s criminal history and witness testimony, the defendant knows the difference between right and wrong, said the prosecutor. She said the defendant brought condoms from his home, which proves that he planned on raping Neal that night. 

The prosecutor asked the judge to give the defendant life in prison based on the excessive force done to the victim. 

Harvin’s defense counsel, Robert Linthicum and Deborah St. Jean, said they believe the defendant needs to be placed in a special prison facility that will help treat his mental issues as well as his behavioral deficits. 

The defense noted that the defendant would not receive the same treatment he needs if placed in another prison facility.