State's Attorney Announces Sentences In Several Homicide Cases This Week

Baltimore, Md. (February 21, 2025) - Today, Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates announced the sentences secured in several homicide cases this week. Defendants were given a cumulative amount of four Life sentences plus 233 years of incarceration for crimes ranging from Reckless Endangerment to First-Degree Murder.

"The unwavering dedication to justice shown by our homicide team is truly unparalleled," said State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates. "These sentences symbolize the resilience of family members who have navigated the challenges of the criminal justice system in their pursuit of accountability. Finally, they can begin to heal, knowing that the individual who took so much from them is no longer on the streets."

The following sentences were rendered this week in Baltimore City Circuit Court:

Jabre Griffith was given two Life terms plus 120 years for the murders of Ernest Hall and Micah Strong. Griffin also non-fatally shot six other victims. The defendant was found guilty in November of 2024 of two counts of First-Degree Murder, six counts of Attempted Murder, eight counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Use of a Handgun under the age of 21. Assistant State's Attorneys Tonya LaPolla and Victoria Yeager prosecuted this case. 

Keith Anderson was sentenced to Life plus 15 years, with the first 10 years ineligible for parole. The defendant was found guilty on all counts during a bench trial for the fatal shooting of Markeece Jordan in June of 2022 at a BP Gas Station on the 1900 block of Belair Road. Assistant State's Attorney Erin Godwin prosecuted this case.

Gerson Diaz-Arita was sentenced to Life, suspending all but 45 years, for the fatal shooting of David Rodriguez and the non-fatal shooting of another individual In October of 2022 at the 3300 block of Annapolis Road. Assistant State's Attorney Erin Godwin prosecuted this case. 

Malik McCormick was sentenced to Life, suspending all but 50 years, after pleading guilty to First-Degree Murder in January. The defendant fatally shot Jaymyra Jeannine Burrell in December of 2022 at the 5600 block of Woodmont Avenue. Ms. Burrell was pregnant when she was killed. Assistant State's Attorney Megan Gallo prosecuted this case. 

Kenneth Mackay was sentenced to Life plus three years for fatally stabbing Daniel Taylor in September of 2023 at the 1700 block of McKean Avenue. The defendant was convicted of First-Degree Murder and Dangerous Weapon. Assistant State's Attorney Ashley Simmons and Homicide Unit Chief Michael Dunty prosecuted this case. 

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