Baltimore, Maryland – On March 5, the trial against 22-year-old Stephawn Tate concluded with closing arguments in Baltimore City Circuit Court. Tate is facing charges of first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, possessing a firearm with a felony conviction, possessing a firearm as a minor, and having a handgun on his person. These charges are in connection to the death of Rodney Grinage.
During the trial, Tate’s attorneys, Benjamin Charlton and Todd Oppenheim, were present in the courtroom. The assistant state attorney described the shooting that occurred on November 13, 2020, as “brazen, deliberate, and in broad daylight.” The prosecution stated that the victim pleaded for mercy and collapsed, but Tate walked away and then returned to shoot him twice more. The motive for the incident was believed to be robbery.
Charlton, one of Tate’s attorneys, argued that Tate’s mental state at the time of the crime should be taken into account. He stated that Tate had previously been shot at the age of 14 and was prescribed addictive medication for his injury. Charlton contended that the shooting was not premeditated and that the charge of voluntary manslaughter would be more appropriate.
According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers responded to the scene after hearing gunfire. Rodney Grinage was found lying face down with gunshot wounds to the head and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. CCTV footage and the circulation of the suspect’s photo led to the identification of Tate as a suspect in the shooting.
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This trial has drawn attention due to the serious charges against Tate and the alleged details of the incident. The prosecution’s argument of a deliberate and merciless shooting paints a grim picture of the events that unfolded on that November day. Tate’s defense, however, seeks to emphasize his mental state and the potential mitigating circumstances surrounding the crime.
This case serves as a reminder of the prevalence of gun violence and its devastating consequences. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for the ongoing discussion surrounding gun control and criminal justice reform. As the trial concludes, the jury will have to carefully consider all the evidence presented and make their decision based on the facts and the law.