Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Ester Allen
- August 29, 2025
Court
|
Daily Stories
|
Non-Fatal Shooting
|
Willie Tyson, 65, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and felony firearm use before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer on Aug. 28 after initially planning to take his case to trial.
In exchange for the guilty plea, the prosecution agreed to drop Tyson’s remaining charges, which included reckless endangerment and four other gun violations. Tyson was charged with opening fire at a resident of Waters Towers Apartments, a senior housing property located on the 1400 block of E. Madison Street. The Jan. 22 shooting followed a verbal altercation that escalated into an agreement to fight. Tyson was an employee at the complex at the time.
According to Judge Schiffer, the victim refused to testify at trial claiming the prosecution threatened him if he didn’t make an appearance. Regardless, the prosecution planned to enter footage into evidence that is said to clearly capture Tyson brandishing a firearm.
Judge Schiffer sentenced Tyson to 12 years for the assault charge and a concurrent five years without parole for the firearm charge. Tyson will also be required to register with the the Maryland Gun Offender Registry.
Prior to sentencing, Tyson told the court he decided to accept the deal because he feared a jury conviction could result in a 25 year sentence, the maximum penalty for first-degree assault. Defense attorney James Sweeting III advised the defendant during the hearing.
The suspect’s wife, who didn’t see the shooting, told Baltimore Witness through tears, she could not believe her husband of 10 years would serve prison time.
No further dates scheduled.