‘My Son Was Taken by Senseless Gun Violence,’ Says Victim’s Mother to 16-Year-Old Homicide Defendant’s Sentencing

By Stephanie Landaverde [former] - August 19, 2023
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Aug. 17, a 16-year-old defendant charged with first-degree murder was sentenced to 21 years in an adult prison by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry G. Williams, despite a licensed psychologist stating he would not benefit from remaining there. 

Defense counsel John Cox, representing defendant Sterling Ingram, had a psychologist, who has conducted therapeutic services to adolescents since 1997, to testify as to why Ingram should be transferred to to juvenile court before Judge Williams. The licensed psychologist found Ingram possessed a moderate level of risk to the public without additional support services. 

Additionally, the psychologist explained that if Ingram stayed in adult prison, he would remain at the facility for a year and then be eligible for the Patuxent Youthful Offender Program. Ingram will not have the same access to individual therapy or group therapy services and evidence demonstrates Ingram could be exposed to sexual assault or be influenced by the adults surrounding him. 

“My son was taken by senseless gun violence. Neal had dreams of going into the military after high school. When will the gun violence stop?” stated the victim, Neal Mack’s mother during her victim impact statement. 

“Please do not send this case to juvenile court,” she added. 

Judge Williams noted that the services which may be provided in juvenile court are not sufficient to provide safety to the public. Judge Williams then sentenced Ingram to a total sentence of 30 years, suspending all but 15 years, in adult prison, where Ingram will earn credit for time served for second-degree murder. For two counts of attempted second-degree murder, Ingram will serve two concurrent sentences of 30 years, suspended all but 21 years with five years of supervised probation and will be recommended by Judge Williams to the Patuxent Youthful Offender Program. 

As stated on the Maryland Judiciary website, Ingram is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and firearm use in a felony violent crime.

According to court documents, on May 28, 2022, officers received multiple calls for a shooting in the Inner Harbor area. An arriving officer stated he observed three victims laying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. One of them was shot in the chest, another had a grazing wound to the head and the last, Mack, would later be pronounced deceased by a single gunshot wound to the chest. 

Furthermore, court documents state surveillance video footage revealed Ingram firing multiple shots before jumping on the back of a blue moped, driven by an unknown suspect. Ingram was identified by multiple witnesses through photographs.