‘This is Not His First Murder But His Third,’ Says Victim’s Father During Defendant’s Sentencing

By Alyssia Davis [former] - November 29, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A Baltimore man convicted of second-degree murder was sentenced to a total of 45 years in prison on Nov. 29 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kendra Y. Ausby. 

Judge Ausby sentenced Khalil Cloude to 40 years for second-degree murder; a concurrent 10 years with the first five years without parole for use of a firearm during a felony violent crime; a consecutive five years for possession of a firearm as a minor. The judge also recommended that the defendant complete a youth offenders program while incarcerated. 

On April 19, Cloude, 21, was convicted of use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, having a handgun on his person, possession of a firearm as a minor, and second-degree murder, a lesser included offense of first-degree murder in connection to an incident on Dec. 1, 2020. 

According to the Baltimore Police Department, at 10:22 p.m., officers were called to the 5500 block of Bowleys Lane for reports of a shooting, where 27-year-old Mikal Mayo was found suffering from multiple gunshots to the body. 

Medics pronounced Mayo deceased at the scene.

The prosecutor claimed Mayo’s murder was planned. He explained that the victim was killed while coming back from the store, and allegedly he and the defendant got into an argument prior to the murder.

The prosecutor suggested the defendant be sentenced to 40 years for second-degree murder, a concurrent 20 years suspending all but 10 years with the first five years without parole for the use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, and a consecutive five years for having a handgun on his person. 

The prosecutor asked the judge to keep in mind the defendant’s significant involvement in the case when sentencing the defendant.

However, Pipkin asked that his minimal criminal record be considered. 

Cloude’s defense counsel, Staci Pipkin, informed the court that her client faces a maximum of 65 years in prison. She claimed that Cloude is also a victim, noting that he was shot in the stomach. 

“Cloude has maintained his innocence,” Pipkin said.  

Defense counsel stated that the defendant was raised by a single mother, who was too upset to be present in court; however, she was there for his trial. 

“Initially, I felt sorry for whoever did this, and that pity feeling stayed with me until I saw that video of my son’s death,” said the victim’s father as he described how his son’s death had impacted his life. 

“[Cloude] initiated contact with my son, who was minding his own business.” The victim’s father explained how the defendant and “gang members” planned this murder. 

“This is not his first murder, but his third,” said the victim’s father. “He did not show my son any mercy.” He asked that the defendant be sentenced to life in prison.

“His son will never get to know who his father is,” said the victim’s mother. “This man planned an execution and won’t take any accountability for it.”

“I’m not supposed to be incarcerated for a crime I did not do,” said Cloude once given an opportunity to address the courtroom.

“I don’t play with firearms. I never shot a gun. We both were shot and robbed that day.”