Man Accused of Ordering Shooting Sentenced to 15 Years

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“It’s true that jail is not good for you,” Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Philip Jackson declared while speaking to defendant Blair Jones and his defense attorney, Maureen Rowland, on Aug. 29. “But, Miss Rowland, your client has not been good for this community.”

Jones, 22, Rowland, and the prosecution appeared before Judge Jackson on Monday for the defendant’s sentencing of 15 years incarceration after a jury found him guilty of firearm possession with a felony conviction, reckless endangerment, and illegal possession of ammo in April.

A not guilty verdict was also returned from the jury for charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, and assault.

During the proceedings, the prosecutor argued for a maximum sentence of 21 years, deeming Jones “an extreme danger to the community” and “not someone who can abide by the rules.” According to the prosecution, the shooting that occurred on May 8, 2021, stemmed from the victim asking the defendant to wear a mask and keep a six-foot distance while they were inside a Royal Farms on the 1500 block of Russell Street.

The confrontation then moved outside where Jones allegedly ordered his friend, Darl Parker, to shoot the victim who attempted to run away but was shot in the leg.

Earlier this year, Parker, 23, accepted a guilty plea of 30 years, suspending all but 12 years, with the first five years without parole, for first-degree assault and use of a firearm during a felony violent crime. Jones rejected a similar plea of 12 years, with the first five years without parole, for conspiracy to commit first-degree assault and firearm use during a felony violent crime.

On Monday, the prosecutor frequently acknowledged the physical and psychological trauma experienced by the victim who was present in the courtroom.

Rowland’s approach focused on her client’s upbringing as she described the bad relationship between Jones and his father and the mother’s busy work schedule that kept her away. She also said her client should receive credit for not having a handgun on his person that day before recommending a sentence of five years without parole.

The judge and Rowland concluded their conversation with a brief discussion on an article the latter submitted to the court that addressed the effects of incarceration on young people.

Judge Jackson imposed a sentence of 15 years, the first five years without parole, for firearm use in a felony violent crime; a concurrent five years for reckless endangerment; and a concurrent year for illegal possession of ammo.

Rowland informed Jones that he has 30 days to file an appeal or request a three-judge panel to review the case and either change or keep his current sentence. The defendant also has 90 days to request the judge modify his sentence.