Lawyer Says Homicide Defendant Admits to 'Doing a Horrible Thing'

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On March 5, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Dana M. Middleton heard closing arguments in the case against Stephawn Tate, 22.

Tate is charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, possessing a firearm with a felony conviction, possessing a firearm as a minor, and having a handgun on his person in connection to the death of Rodney Grinage.

Tate’s attorneys, Benjamin Charlton and Todd Oppenheim, were present in the courtroom.

“Brazen, deliberate, and in broad daylight,” charged the assistant state attorney in summarizing the shooting that took place on Friday November 13th, 2020. “We know that the victim collapsed, put his hands over his head begging for mercy.”

The prosecutor said Tate walked away, came back and shot the victim twice more.

The apparent motive, according to the prosecution, was robbery.

After a physical altercation, the defendant allegedly began shooting at the victim. A total of six shots left Grinage unresponsive on the 1600 block of West North Avenue.

“I smoke weed. I pop pills” that’s what he told the police and that’s what he told all of you, Charlton said to explain Tate’s mental state during the crime.

Charlton said Tate was shot when he was 14 and prescribed addictive medication for his injury.

“He admitted to doing a horrible thing, no one is asking you to excuse him for that… But that doesn’t mean it was done in the first degree,” said Charlton indicating the defendant has taken responsibility for his actions.

However, Charlton says the shooting was not premeditated and that the charge of voluntary manslaughter would be more appropriate.

According to District Court of Maryland documents, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of West North Avenue after a nearby officer heard gunfire. Upon arrival, Rodney Grinage, was found lying face down with gunshot wounds to the head. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he pronounced dead.

Nearby CCTV footage and circulation of the suspect’s photo identified Tate as a suspect in the shooting.

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Lawyer Says Homicide Defendant Admits to ‘Doing a Horrible Thing’