State’s Attorney’s Homicide Team Secures Several Convictions and Sentences This Week

Baltimore, Md. (June 26, 2025) - Today, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates announced several convictions and sentences secured this week by prosecutors in his Homicide Unit for various offenses ranging from Accessory After The Fact to Attempted First-Degree Murder. 

“These outcomes underscore our unwavering commitment to achieving justice for victims and their families by holding violent offenders accountable for the harm they inflict upon our community,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “Whether we are negotiating a plea agreement to encourage cooperation in a co-defendant’s case or conducting an exhaustive multi-day trial, each conviction and sentence is the result of dedicated and strategic prosecutions that always prioritize the voices of victims, ensuring that justice is not just served, but truly realized. I commend my exceptional prosecutors for their tireless efforts and express immense gratitude to our outstanding partners in BPD’s Homicide Unit for their diligent investigative work, which enables our office to bring these cases to a successful conclusion.”

Bryan Cherry was found guilty of Attempted First-Degree Murder and Deadly Weapon for the non-fatal stabbing of a man in June 2024 at the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Medical Center on 1000 E. Eager Street. He is scheduled for sentencing on September 16, 2025, and has a pending homicide case in Baltimore City, in addition to a double homicide case in Baltimore County. Assistant State’s Attorneys Elizabeth Stock and Sarah Hunt prosecuted this case. 

Tyrell White pled guilty to Accessory After The Fact for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of Sean Brown in Hanlon Park on May 21, 2023. He was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration. White’s co-defendant, Cahari Ferguson, was convicted on June 2, 2025, of Conspiracy Resulting in Death and is scheduled for sentencing on September 26, 2025. Assistant State’s Attorney and Chief of the Cold Case Unit, Kurt Bjorklund, prosecuted these cases.

Viola Poole pled guilty to Accessory After The Fact for her involvement in the fatal shooting of Ondrell Mayo in August 2024 at the 900 block of E. Patapsco Avenue. She was sentenced to 10 years, suspending all but three years with five years of probation, alcohol screening and treatment, mental health screening and treatment, and parenting classes. Poole’s co-defendant, Paul Artis, is scheduled to go on trial on July 18, 2025. Assistant State’s Attorney Erin Godwin prosecuted this case.