Trial Scheduled for Man Who Allegedly Killed Mother’s Neighbor

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A Baltimore man charged with first-degree murder received a trial date on March 1 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

Alejandro Gonzalez, 38, is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm during a violent crime, and having a loaded handgun on his person in connection to an incident on Sept. 4, 2021.

During reception court on Tuesday, Judge Phinn listened as the prosecutor presented a plea of life suspending all but 50 years with five years of probation for first-degree murder, and 20 years, first five without parole for use of a firearm during a violent crime. 

Gonzalez and his defense attorney, Michael Stark, declined the offer.

According to the Baltimore Sun, on Sept. 4, 2021, Gonzalez allegedly shot Travis Ben-Watkins on the 5000 block of Corley Road. Ben-Watkins was Gonzalez’s mother’s neighbor, and the shooting was a result of an ongoing dispute.

Gonzalez’s trial is scheduled for March 31.