Murder Victim’s Family Says to Shooter, ‘May Every Breath You Take Be Poison’

By Sara Palmer [former] - April 10, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

Homicide defendant Shawn Brewton was sentenced on April 10 by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Dana M. Middleton for his role in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old William Smith.

The incident took place on Aug. 11, 2021, on the 3500 block of West Belvedere Avenue.

Brewton, 53, was charged with first- and second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.

He was found guilty of second-degree murder on Nov. 17, 2023, after a four-day trial. 

The assistant state’s attorney asked Judge Middleton to sentence Brewton to the maximum sentence of 40 years for his crime. She said Brewton has had a 30 year run-in with the law starting at 18.

Brewton is also accused of killing 41-year-old Santiago Loyal on the same day just 45 minutes before killing Smith. 

She also highlighted his lack of remorse and inability to tell the truth. The prosecutor said there was “no hope for rehabilitation” and that “punishment is the goal”. 

Meanwhile, Brewton without being recognized said the prosecution was lying and was subsequently reprimanded by the judge.

A member of Smith’s family read a victim impact statement on behalf of his sister telling Brewton, “May every breath you take be poison” and “I hope you burn in hell.” The letter also lamented that Brewton robbed Smith’s 8-year-old son of his father and broke the entire family. 

Brewton’s defense attorney Kenneth Man asked Judge Middleton for 25 years, reminding her that Brewton is already 53-years-old.

Man said that while Brewton has had a long history of crime, most of his crimes up until this point have been non-violent drug offenses and robberies. He said his client has a serious drug problem that fueled his criminality.

Brewton apologized to the court and admitted to his drug problem.

Judge Middleton concluded by agreeing with the prosecution that Brewton be sentenced to 40 years for his crime. She said that he had the chance to be rehabilitated before as he has already  undergone drug treatment and previously served an 11-year sentence for a narcotics offense.