Pregnant Woman Facing Involuntary Manslaughter Charges Denied Bail

By Grace Kemper [former] - February 15, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 15, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeannie J. Hong denied bail for a 24-year-old pregnant woman bail who is charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Jasmine Jones is charged with involuntary manslaughter, and first and second-degree assault in connection to an incident on Oct. 4, 2021. 

During the bail hearing, Judge Hong listened as the prosecutor informed the court that on Oct. 12, 2021, the defendant followed Whitney Purnell into a convenience store on the 200 block of North Eutaw Street around 2:57 p.m. She punched the victim once, causing her to hit her head on an ATM and fall to the floor.

The prosecutor also said the defendant began dragging the 33-year-old victim on the floor by her hair. While on the floor, Purnell pulled out a firearm and the two women fought over control of the weapon.

In addition, the prosecutor added that during the struggle, Purnell was shot once. She was taken to the hospital, where she died 10 days later.

Initially, the defendant was on home detention for assault charges, however, the victims’ death caused the charges to be upgraded to involuntary manslaughter.  

Jones’ defense attorney, Robert Cole, argued that his client has not been given proper medical attention for her pregnancy.  Cole also noted that the defendant has a 4-year-old son whom she would like to be with at home.

“[My client] never had control of that firearm,” Cole said, requesting the defendant be granted home detention.

After listening to counsel, Judge Hong denied bail, deeming the defendant a threat to public safety.