9.28.11: Hunter Convicted for Murdering Vietnam Veteran at Carryout
September 28, 2011 – A Baltimore City Circuit Court jury convicted Michael Hunter today of first-degree murder and other charges for killing Charles Bowman Sr., a 72-year-old veteran of the Vietnam War, in a carryout restaurant in April 2010.
Hunter and co-defendant Troy Taylor entered the carryout at 29th Street and Greenmount Avenue on April 8, 2010, and demanded money from the three customers inside.
During the armed robbery, Hunter shot and killed Bowman, who routinely bought his dinner at the restaurant en route to his job as an overnight security guard at the Baltimore Afro American Newspaper. The robbery yielded $13.
Taylor, 19, pled guilty in March 2011 to first-degree murder, the use of a handgun in the commission of a crime, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and other charges. He was sentenced to life, with all but 35 years suspended.
The jury convicted Hunter, 20, of first-degree murder, three counts of using a handgun in the commission of a crime, and armed robbery. Scheduled for sentencing on November 23, 2011, he faces a maximum of life plus 120 years.
Assistant State's Attorney Theresa M. Shaffer prosecuted both cases.