FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE  

For Information Contact:                     Margaret T. Burns
  
                                                         Chief, Communications & Governmental Affairs
                                                            Office (443)984-1121
                                                       
                                                            Cell Phone (443) 474-7479
                                                            Fax Phone (410) 637-3172
  
                                                                         Or
  
                                                         Joseph Sviatko, Communication Assistant
  
                                                         Office (443) 984-1122
  
                                                         Cell (410) 790-3248

PRESS RELEASE

ANTONIO HENDERSON FOUND GUILTY OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER 

Sentencing Set For August 28, 2003 

            Baltimore, MD -- July 3, 2003 -- A Baltimore City jury convicted Antonio Henderson, 28, of the 900 block of Bennett Place, of first-degree murder and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence in the March 20, 2002 shooting death of Raymond Fortune, 24.  The verdict was returned today following three days of testimony and four hours of deliberation. 

Henderson was arguing with Mr. Fortune’s brother, Jason Fortune, outside a carryout restaurant at the corner of North Carey Street and Edmondson Avenue when Raymond Henderson intervened on his brother’s account.  The trio, who were life long friends, continued arguing until Henderson pulled a 9 millimeter handgun and shot Raymond Fortune one time in the stomach. 

Sentencing is scheduled for August 28, 2003 before Judge Timothy J. Doory.  Henderson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison plus 20-years. 

            Assistant State’s Attorney Michelle Grunwell prosecuted this case. 

###