Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting His Girlfriend in Front of His Children

By Khanh Nguyen - November 6, 2024
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A 44-year-old man pleaded guilty to attempted murder before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Martin P. Welch on Nov.6. 

Ricardo Clarke was originally charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted to kill first-degree, first and second degree assault, reckless endangerment, and other weapon charges. 

He pleaded guilty to attempted to kill first-degree and firearm use in a felony violent crime. Clarke was sentenced to 30 years, with all but 11 years suspended, a concurrent 5-year term for the firearm charge, and 5 years of supervised probation. Upon release, he must attend a domestic violence program, undergo alcohol and drug screening, and register as a gun offender.

During the hearing, the prosecutor said Clarke and his girlfriend got into an argument at their home on the 1000 block of Herndon Court. Clarke left the house to calm down but was locked out once he returned. 

He began banging on the door, causing the victim to call 911. Clarke then climbed up his house and broke the window to get inside, according to the proffer of facts. Once he was inside, he shot the victim in the arm in the presence of his children. The victim called an Uber and went to the hospital. 

Clarke’s attorney, Todd Oppeinheim, described him as a remorseful father who acknowledged the impact of his actions on his family. 

Clarke’s father testified to his character, emphasizing his stable employment despite alcohol issues. 

The defendant expressed regret, apologizing to his children and his girlfriend for going too far.