Judge Sentences Man to Five Years for Cousin's Death

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Emotions ran high inside the courtroom of Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Yvette Bryant on Feb. 17 when family members of homicide defendant Demetrick Lewis tearfully awaited his sentencing for the death of his 33-year-old cousin, Shanlette Lewis, in February 2022.

Defense attorney Brandon Patterson represented Demetrick at trial.

The 32-year-old defendant’s sentencing comes one day after a jury found him guilty of manslaughter on Feb. 16 for pushing his cousin down the stairs and injuring her neck and head on Feb. 1, 2022, causing her death two days later.

“It hurts me to be here,” Shanlette’s sister said in court during Friday’s sentencing. “I hope for an apology down the line. I can’t forgive him right now.”

Two additional family members expressed their concerns of Demetrick’s anger, while remembering their lost loved one. Another one of Shanlette’s sisters said the defendant had a history of physical violence, specifically towards his daughter.

“Who are you to take someone’s life? I feel there is no remorse,” she said. “If he can beat his daughter, who’s to say he won’t do it again? I’ve had to save his daughter from him; she was only two at the time.”

Demetrick later addressed the court and his family, describing the incident as “a freakish accident” with consequences he didn’t intend.

“I’m hurt too. I know you all are mad at me, but I love you,” he said. “I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I’m happy to see you all here, but I’m just in a bad predicament.”

Judge Bryant noted the defendant’s “history of bullying women” and sentenced him to nine years, suspending all but five years and five years of supervised probation. Demetrick is also required to complete an anger management course and a mental health evaluation.

Judge Sentences Man to Five Years for Cousin’s Death