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

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

Or

Joseph Sviatko, Public Information Officer

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

PRESS RELEASE

BALTIMORE CITY JURY CONVICTS THOMAS TAYLOR OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER, USE OF A HANDGUN IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME OF VIOLENCE, ATTEMPTED SECOND DEGREE MURDER

Taylor, a Self-Described Blood, Shot and Killed City Man over Gang Graffiti

Baltimore, MD – March 3, 2008 – A Baltimore City jury convicted Thomas Taylor, 27, of the 4000 block of Garrison Avenue today of first degree murder, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence and attempted second degree murder. The jury deliberated approximately four hours today after hearing four days of testimony last week.

First degree murder carries a maximum prison term of life. The handgun count carries a maximum prison term of 20 years. Second degree murder carries a maximum prison term of 30 years. Judge John N. Prevas scheduled sentencing for April 10, 2008.

At 2:59PM on March 1, 2006 in the 3300 block of Oakfield Avenue Taylor, a self described blood, shot and killed Joseph Miller, 26. Miller, Taylor and others were arguing over Bloods graffiti located on the wall of a corner store in the neighborhood. Taylor, who was wearing red, left the scene. He returned with a gun, having changed his clothing to black. Miller remained at the scene in an attempt to break up the argument over the graffiti. Taylor hid behind some bushes, stood up, and fatally shot Miller and seriously wounded another.

Assistant State’s Attorney Theresa Shaffer of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.

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