Baltimore, Md. (September 13, 2024) - The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office secured the maximum sentence of 75 years, the first 10 without parole, for Stephawn Tate, who was convicted of Second-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Tate fatally shot Rodney Grinage at the 1600 block of W. North Avenue in broad daylight on November 13, 2020. Assistant State's Attorney Megan Gallo prosecuted this case.
"This was a brazen act of violence by a repeat offender who showed a complete disregard for public safety and the law. Cases like this strike fear into the hearts of law-abiding residents and visitors when they walk our city's streets," said State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates. "It is my sincere hope that this sentence serves as a wake-up call to this offender that his actions have severe consequences that he now must grapple with. I commend ASA Gallo for her unwavering prosecution of this challenging case and for ensuring justice for the victims and Baltimore."
On Friday, November 13, 2020, at approximately 12:51 p.m., Baltimore Police officers responded to the 1600 block of W. North Ave after hearing gunfire. Upon arrival, they located the victim, Rodney Grinage, lying face down on the road, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. The victim was subsequently transported to the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 1:31 p.m. An autopsy determined that the victim suffered six gunshot wounds – two wounds to the back of the head, one to the left chest, one to the buttock, one to the right forearm, and one to the left hand.
During the course of the investigation, video surveillance footage was located showing the homicide. The suspect is observed pointing a gun at the head of the victim. The victim then grabs at the gun, and a short physical altercation ensues. The suspect then shoots the victim, stands over the victim, and continues to shoot him. The suspect was wearing a black hoodie, red shirt, blue jeans, and black boots.
Later in the evening, the defendant was driving a BMW SUV with a passenger in the vehicle when he engaged in a high-speed chase with Baltimore Police. The defendant struck two other cars and flipped the vehicle. He was apprehended while climbing out of the driver’s seat. The passenger, who was pregnant, was taken to the hospital and lost the baby.
Both the defendant and his passenger were taken to Homicide and interviewed. Both reviewed still photographs of the video showing the person minutes prior to the shooting and identified that person as Stephawn Tate.