State's Attorney's Office Announces Four Significant Sentences Handed Down This Week

Baltimore, Md. (October 11, 2024) - Today, the Baltimore City State's Attorney’s Office announced four sentences handed down by judges for homicide cases this week. Offenses included first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter. 

“The resolution of these cases signifies the culmination of a profoundly challenging journey for numerous impacted family members and loved ones who have suffered a sudden and tragic loss due to homicide,” stated State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “I hope that the healing process can finally commence with justice now served. I sincerely thank my Homicide Unit for their unwavering dedication and compassionate service to our city.”

The following cases were sentenced this week:

Defendant Reginald Whitaker was sentenced to Life without parole plus 105 years in prison for First Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Attempted Second Degree Murder, and related firearm charges. Whitaker fatally shot 33 year-old Traquarn Lewis in July of 2023 at the 2000 block of Fleet Street and non-fatally shot another individual on the 1700 block of Gough Street on the same day. ASA Victoria Yeager prosecuted this case. 

Defendant Donte Simms was given 30 years, suspend all but 25 years, with three years’ probation for Manslaughter, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Illegal Possession of a Handgun. Simms fatally shot 53-year-old Eric Plater in August 2022 at the 300 block of Park Avenue. ASA Alyssa Ragland prosecuted this case.

Defendant Darries Sommerville was sentenced to Life plus 15 years in prison for First-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Regulated Firearm. Sommerville fatally shot 29-year-old Trevon Williams in July 2022 at the 3300 block of Lake Avenue. ASA Victoria Yeager prosecuted this case.

Defendant Alphonso Ward was sentenced to 40 years, suspending all but 20 years, with three additional years to be served consecutive in prison for Second-Degree Murder and Deadly Weapon. Ward fatally stabbed his cousin, 41-year-old Kevin Donnell Miller, in October 2023 at the 1600 block of Ramsay Street. ASA Manaia Jespersen prosecuted this case.