Man with Seven Prior Convictions has a Trial Scheduled for April

By Alyssia Davis [former] - March 10, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A 62-year-old Baltimore man accused of homicide has a trial scheduled for April on March 10 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn. 

Manize Smith is charged first-degree murder, use of deadly weapon with intent to conceal, use of deadly weapon with intent to injure, robbery, and theft less than $1000 in conection an incident Nov. 16, 2021. 

On Thursday, Judge Phinn listened as counsel set a trial date for the defendant while waiting on his mental health evaluation. 

Smith was represented by defense attorney Leslie Stein. 

According to a news release, on Nov. 16 2021, officers were called to the 1700 block of N. Chester Street at approximately 7:20 a.m. for reports of shots being fired. They found 69-year-old Evelyn Player suffering from a gunshot wound. 

Baltimore Sun reported that Smith was convicted in 1979 of raping a woman who asked him for directions, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, court records show. In 1992, he was again convicted of rape and assault with intent to rob, and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Smith also was convicted of a robbery in 2012. 

Smith’s criminal history dates back to 1978 with seven convictions on his record.

Smith’s next hearing is scheduled for April 16.