Manslaughter Defendant Sentenced

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A manslaughter defendant was sentenced in connection to a 2022 death on Oct. 10 in Baltimore City Circuit Court.

Donte Simms, 46, was found guilty of manslaughter in February for the death of 35-year-old Eric Plater during an incident in August 2022 near the 300 block of Park Avenue.

Judge Dana M. Middleton sentenced Simms to 10 years for manslaughter, a consecutive 20 years, suspending all but 15 years, with the first five years without the possibility of parole, for firearm use in a felony violent crime and another consecutive 10 years, with the first five years without the possibility of parole, for firearm possession with a felony conviction. Simms’ total sentence is 35 years, with the first five years without the possibility of parole.

“I’m shocked. I didn’t mean for anything to happen, and my condolences go to the victim’s family. Overall, I feel terrible,” Simms said in court.
Simms was represented by Brad MacFee.