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By
Ethan Russo
- June 6, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Leon Spencer, 42, was sentenced to life in prison, suspending all but 50 years, during a bench trial on June 5. Spencer was convicted of first-degree murder and felony firearm use on March 4.
According to charging documents, on July 16, 2024, Spencer shot and killed John Parrish, 32, on the 3200 block of Lawnview Avenue. Spencer was charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in an act of violence, and firearm possession with a prior felony conviction.
The prosecution offered Spencer life in prison, suspending all but 40 to 50 years for the charge of first-degree murder, and a concurrent 20 years for firearm use in an act of violence. As part of the offer, the prosecution agreed to drop the final charge. Spencer accepted the plea offer.
During the sentencing hearing on June 5, members of Parrish’s family provided victim impact statements about the effects of the murder on their lives. One family member stated that Parrish’s death left “a void in our lives” and feelings of “grief, anger, and helplessness.”
Defense attorney Natalie Finegar detailed Spencer’s multiple sclerosis affliction and history of mental health issues. Finegar argued Spencer had incorrectly perceived the events of the initial incident, leading to the escalation of violence and Parrish’s death.
Nonetheless, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge M. Brooke Murdock sentenced Spencer to the stiffer penalty the first five of which without the possibility of parole.
No further proceedings were scheduled.