Man held in contempt; judge adds prison time
A city judge on Thursday lengthened the sentence of a man convicted of killing a 72-year-old security guard for the Afro-American newspaper after the suspect refused to testify against the accused gunman, The Sun's Luke Broadwater reports.
Circuit Court Judge Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill found Troy Taylor, 20, in contempt of court after he refused to answer questions from attorneys while on the witness stand. Fletcher-Hill added fiveyears months and 29 days onto Taylor's 35-year sentence for first-degree murder.
Prosecutors called Taylor to testify against his friend, Michael Hunter, 20, who is accused of gunning down Vietnam veteran Charles Bowman during the April 8, 2010, robbery of a Chinese food carryout in Waverly that netted $13. The crime shook the North Baltimore community and led police to flood the area with extra officers.
Police say Taylor, who pleaded guilty this year to first-degree murder, joined Hunter in committing the crime. During opening arguments Wednesday, prosecutors said they planned to call Taylor and another of Hunter's friends to testify against him.
Circuit Court Judge Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill found Troy Taylor, 20, in contempt of court after he refused to answer questions from attorneys while on the witness stand. Fletcher-Hill added five
Prosecutors called Taylor to testify against his friend, Michael Hunter, 20, who is accused of gunning down Vietnam veteran Charles Bowman during the April 8, 2010, robbery of a Chinese food carryout in Waverly that netted $13. The crime shook the North Baltimore community and led police to flood the area with extra officers.
Police say Taylor, who pleaded guilty this year to first-degree murder, joined Hunter in committing the crime. During opening arguments Wednesday, prosecutors said they planned to call Taylor and another of Hunter's friends to testify against him.
Posted by Justin Fenton at 6:01 PM | Permalink
| Comments (2)
Categories: Courts and the justice system
Categories: Courts and the justice system
Comments
This is why gunrights laws must be protected ! This gunman shouldn,t have been alowed to be OUT , To committ this second MURDER ! My 45 derringer is so small but is leathal from the 20 feet most of these crimes take place !
Posted by: Ed | September 23, 2011 11:03 AM
I have some questions about a few recent homicides. I'm wondering if the next time a member of the Sun's crime department speaks to their good buddies at the homicide department we could get some updates on the following:
1) Ottus Maximum Savoy was wanted for the 8/2 killing of Sean Eames. Did the cops ever locate him?
2) What is the status of the August 8th blunt force trauma death of 1 year old Davon Booth? Has anyone been charged?
3) Dewayne Jones was killed on August 29th, the Sun's coverage was a little thin. Any updates?
4) After much scrutiny it was determined that Larry Petty was the victim killed on September 27 on Pontiac Avenue, any more information?
5) We still have an unidentified victim at 400 North East Street. Name please.
6) I see from the homicide map there is a mysterious victim on 34th Street. Is that Waverly playground man?
Hopefully no famous sports figures will expire in the next few days and we can get back to some actual crime coverage.
Thank you.
Posted by: Cham | September 24, 2011 4:40 PM