A Columbia teenager was sentenced to 55 years in prison Thursday for chasing after another teen during an argument and shooting him to death in August 2006, according to the Howard State’s Attorney’s Office.
Monti Fleming, 17, of the 6500 block of Overheart Lane, was convicted by a jury in January of first-degree murder for shooting Shawn Powell, 18, of the 5400 block of Harpers Farm Road in Columbia.
Prosecutors recommended a sentence of life without parole, but defense attorney Joseph Murtha said he argued that penalty for a teenager should be ruled unconstitutional, citing the developmental differences between a juvenile and adult defendant.
Howard Circuit Judge Louis Becker rejected that argument, but considered Fleming’s age when imposing a life sentence with all but 55 years suspended.
“I’m relieved that he has the opportunity to one day be eligible for parole and has the opportunity to do things that give him hope and maybe leave the confines of a jail cell,” Murtha said.
Deputy State’s Attorney Mary Murphy said “whenever there’s a juvenile involved, especially at this young age, we certainly respect the difficult decision the judge has to make.” Before handing down the sentence, Murtha said he called to the stand Fleming’s mother, Katrina Smith, who tearfully testified to her son’s character.
Fleming also addressed the judge, saying he needed a chance to return to society and be with his family, said States Attorney’s spokesman Wayne Kirwan.
Witnesses who testified during the week-long ending in February, said Fleming and Powell had an argument Aug. 26, 2006, in the courtyard of the Barnside condominium complex in Columbia.
Powell tried to run away when Fleming struck him with a bottle, but Fleming chased after him shooting six times and striking him once, prosecutors said.
Powell was found dead the next morning about 100 yards from the area.
Fleming is scheduled for trial in July on unrelated attempted murder charges for allegedly shooting Mark Golston a week earlier on Aug. 22 in Columbia.
