The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office doesn't just focus on prosecuting violent crime. The office is committed to protecting older adults in the city. Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates explains how.
Homicides in the city and violent crimes involving young people are at decade lows, and the drop in gun violence is considerable. As of this past week, fewer than 100 people have been killed in the city. As of this past week, 84 people were killed in the city. That's a noticeable decline from 2024, when the city reported 115 homicides.
Alethea Mitchell is facing multiple firearm charges, including firearm possession with a felony conviction, possession of a stolen firearm and allowing firearm access by a minor, according to online court records.
The jury found King guilty of attempted first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, use of an assault weapon with a magazine, firearm possession with a felony conviction, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault.
Bates said he believes in second chances and will support the Second Look Act. “This bill represents a beacon of hope, offering individuals who have proven their rehabilitation through measurable actions, as determined by a judge before their release, the opportunity to reclaim their place in society,” Bates said. “Moreover, it stands to save the state millions of dollars by ending the costly practice of warehousing those ready to contribute meaningfully. By investing in those ready to reintegrate, we can foster a society where everyone has the chance to contribute positively. Together, we can create a future where everyone has a chance to thrive.”
“In a callous act of violence, the defendant pushed the victim not once, but twice, ensuring that he tragically fell from the subway station platform to his death,” Bates said. “It is unfathomable to consider the anguish of a family awaiting a loved one who will never return due to such senseless brutality.”
Bates campaigned on cracking down on gun violence and restarting prosecutions for nonviolent crimes such as drug possession, prostitution, and trespassing. He promised to improve technology in the state’s attorney’s office, hire and train more staff, and work closely with federal authorities.
In a statement Monday, Bates called the behavior seen in the viral video “abhorrent,” and said the outcome conveys that his office will not tolerate hate-filled acts. “There is never a scenario in which violence is acceptable in our city,” Bates said.
A Windsor Mill man was sentenced to life in prison after shooting and killing his girlfriend’s 12-year-old daughter last summer in East Baltimore. Court records show Omar Passmore, who turned 29 earlier this month, pleaded guilty Tuesday to first-degree murder and a firearm offense.
