Among other things, the proposal would expand juvenile court jurisdiction to 10 through 12-year-olds for certain offenses, require a Child in Need of Services (CINS) petition for the first time a juvenile is accused of stealing a vehicle and would increase probation time.
Following a 15-week investigation, Bates said his office worked with the Baltimore City Police Department to connect the dots of carjackings, armed robberies, and assaults; the youngest offender in the case is 12 years old, but some of the young people involved will be charged as adults, Bates said.
Prosecutors said Travon Shaw was responsible for the deadly ambush style shooting of officer Keona Holley, while she sat in her patrol car on Pennington Avenue.
“From the very start of session, even before session, I told them that we would work in partnership with them, but anything that came back to my desk that was focused on juveniles, it had to focus on one word: accountability,” Bates said. “It’s not just about changing laws. Changing laws even though we want to say is easier, I realize that it is extremely difficult. But I am pleased we are moving in the right direction and having that discussion. “
"The terror and pain that this defendant inflicted on the victim can never be undone, but I hope that this lengthy sentence brings them, and the community, a sense of closure and peace after such a frightening experience," State's Attorney Ivan Bates said. "Trauma is real, and the residents of this community will feel the impacts of this violent incident for years to come. My office remains steadfast in its commitment to justice and our residents. Our city is not a playground for lawlessness and violence."
The jury found Elliot Knox guilty of eight of nine counts charged in the Dec. 16, 2021, shootings, including two counts each of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, but acquitted him of using a firearm in the commission of Holley’s death.
The Maryland Organized Crime Bill, set to expand the state's current statutes, is under consideration, with support from local prosecutors. They say the enhanced measures will combat the rise in sophisticated criminal activities.
“The Royal Farms store is an open drug use place. You can just go up there, you can stand in front in the morning. You can get your cup of coffee and you can also get your dope," said one resident.
A rise in certain crimes — such as car thefts, carjackings and gun charges — among Maryland youth is at the forefront of policymakers’ and lawmakers’ minds during the current General Assembly session.
