A Washington, D.C. man was convicted May 15 on multiple counts of attempted second-degree murder, assault and firearm use for firing into a crowd during a Morgan State University homecoming event over two years ago.
According to a press release from the Office of the State’s Attorney, 20-year-old Marquis Brown faces what amounts to multiple life sentences for his involvement in the mass shooting, which left five people injured on the evening of Oct. 3, 2023.
“Marquis Brown now faces 259 years of incarceration at sentencing despite the unnecessary challenges and numerous roadblocks that came about during the case, thanks to the incredible work of [the state’s attorney] and our partners at the [Baltimore Police Department] BPD,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates in the release who noted its a miracle no one died in the attack.
Brown’s trial followed the state’s forced dismissal of his case last August because they were unable to secure a key witness’ testimony. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy had refused to postpone the case despite the witness issues, leading the state to dismiss all charges against the defendant and re-indict him. Brown’s original indictment bore 54 counts, double the amount he was tried for last week.
Despite the efforts of defense attorneys Judit K. Otvos and Jennifer Davis, jurors ultimately convicted Brown guilty on five counts each of attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault, along with related gun offenses.
Brown is now set for sentencing on Aug. 12 before Judge Handy.
