Judge Sets Sentencing For Defendant Who Accepts Murder Plea

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeannie J. Hong scheduled a sentencing for Kendal Harvell, 31, after he pleaded guilty to two charges on March 12.

Harvell had a long discussion with his attorney, Andrea Jaskulsky, before he decided to accept an Alford plea for first-degree murder and firearm use in a felony violent crime. He could receive a life sentence, suspending all but 40 years. An Alford plea allows a person to plead guilty but maintain innocence.

According to court documents, Harvell murdered Antwone Qwinzell Anthony, 34, on the 1700 block of Manor Avenue on Dec. 3, 2023. He was initially charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, handgun on person, and handgun in vehicle.

Security footage of the incident showed a 2006 Acura TL that Baltimore Police Department (BPD) detectives discovered was registered to Harvell’s girlfriend.

BPD arrested Harvell after chasing him on foot on Dec. 14, 2023. In a search, officers found a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun inside the vehicle.

The prosecutor told Judge Hong that Harvell confessed that he shot and killed Anthony. The prosecutor later confirmed that Harvell shot Anthony and threw away the firearm in a body of water.

The sentencing hearing is slated for April 9.