Keith Morris, 33, pleaded guilty on March 10 to the murder of George Massey lll, 38, in Park Heights more than a year ago in an agreement before Baltimore City Circuit Court before Judge Jeannie J. Hong.
The plea was entered a day after jury selection began, which was anticipated to see five or six days of trial before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeannie J. Hong. At the hearing, Judge Hong observed that Morris had been presented with what she deemed a “good offer” and would have to decide if he would accept the plea or move forward to trial.
The state’s attorney proposed a life sentence with 40-to-45 years suspended, plus five years of supervised probation on the charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and firearm use. Morris sought clarification from the court about the possible sentence length before finally accepting the deal and pleading guilty.
Defense attorney Jason P. Rodriguez indicated that should Morris plead guilty, they would seek a pre-sentence investigation (PSI) prior to sentencing. The court approved the request after Morris’ plea.
Morris’ charges arose from a shooting that occurred Sept. 21, 2024, on the 5100 block of Park Heights Avenue. Officers responded to the scene minutes before 1 a.m. to find Massey suffering from several gunshot wounds.
The prosecution informed the court that another person connected to the incident, Karim Abdul, passed away from several gunshot injuries the same day. During the hearing, the state claimed an unidentified individual shot Abdul during the event, and that Abdul had also participated in the shooting.
Morris is set to be sentenced Aug. 6 before Judge Hong.
