OFFICE OF THE STATE’S ATTORNEY

FOR

BALTIMORE CITY

 

208 THE CLARENCE M. MITCHELL, JR. COURTHOUSE

 

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND  21202

 

Patricia C. Jessamy                                                                                                                                                 Phone 443-984-1121

   State’s Attorney

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

 

For Information Contact:                       Margaret T. Burns

Chief, Communications & Governmental Affairs

Office (443) 984-1121 or Cell Phone (443) 474-7479

                                                                        Or

                                                            Joseph Sviatko, Public Information Officer

                                                            Office (443) 984-1122 or Cell (410) 790-3248

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

PAUL HIGHFIELD FIRST-DEGREE MURDER AND CHILD ABUSE RESULTING IN DEATH TRIAL SCHEDULED FOR WED., MAY 14, 2008

                  

            Baltimore, MD – May 13, 2008 – The murder and child abuse resulting in death trial of Paul Highfield, 28, of the 4000 block of Security Lane, Jarrettsville, MD is scheduled for 11:00AM tomorrow before Judge Robert B. Kershaw, 406 Mitchell Courthouse, 110 N. Calvert St.

 

            The Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted Highfield for first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death on April 3, 2007.  If convicted on both counts, Highfield faces a maximum possible prison term of life plus 30-years.

 

            Court documents allege on September 12, 2006, Destiny D’Urso and Paul Highfield were caring for Anthony Joseph D’Urso, 2, in the 1300 block of E. Patapsco Avenue when an emergency call was placed for a non-breathing child.  He was taken to Harbor Hospital where he died a short time later.

 

D’Urso pled guilty to manslaughter on January 14, 2008.  Under terms of the plea agreement, announced in open court, D’Urso agreed to testify truthfully and honestly against Paul Highfield.  There was no sentence agreement, but the maximum prison sentence for manslaughter is 10-years.  A sentencing date of June 9, 2008 was scheduled.

 

D’Urso remains held on $350,000 bail.  Highfield is held without bail.  Assistant State’s Attorneys Julie Drake, Chief of the Felony Family Violence Division and Patricia McLane will prosecute this case.

 

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