1.27.12: Canty Convicted of Attempted Murder for Retaliation Shooting that Missed Target But Hit 10-Year-Old
January 27, 2012 -- A Baltimore City Circuit Court jury convicted Dafon Canty today of attempted first-degree murder and eight other charges for a retaliation shooting that missed the intended target but struck a 10-year-old boy.
Seeking revenge for a previous argument, Canty approached Terrell Singleton on the evening of August 19, 2010, and opened fire on him. Singleton was sitting on the front steps of a home in the 1100 block of North Lakewood Avenue at the time. To escape, Singleton ran up the stairs and into the house's screened porch, where the 10-year-old was located. He pushed the boy to the ground in an attempt to protect him, but the child suffered a gunshot wound to the left arm. Singleton was unharmed in the incident.
During trial, two identifying witnesses recanted their previous testimony. Nevertheless, the jury convicted Canty of attempted first-degree murder, assault, and seven handgun violations, including the crime of being a minor in possession of a firearm. People under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing a regulated firearm. Canty was 18 at the time of the shooting.
Scheduled for sentencing on March 13, 2012, Canty faces a maximum of life plus 86 years in prison.