Well-known graffiti artist Kenneth Ellis was sentenced to eight years in prison Tuesday after a Baltimore County jury convicted him of attempted manslaughter and assault from a fight that started over a kitten.
Ellis, 27, who last year tagged countless pieces of property with the name “Oricl” during his reign as Baltimore City?s self-proclaimed most prolific graffiti artist, was acquitted of more serious attempted murder charges stemming from an Aug. 13, 2006, stabbing in Lansdowne.
“Under the circumstances, the sentence was harsh,” said Margaret Mead, Ellis? attorney. “He certainly maintains that he was acting in self-defense.”
Mead said Judge Michael Finifter punished Ellis in part because of Ellis? previous graffiti conviction, for which he received probation.
“It increased his sentencing guidelines from 4 to 8 years to 8 to 10 years,” Mead said. “That whole graffiti case, while certainly bad, is not indicative of somebody out there doing significant crimes of violence.”
The stabbing arose from an argument with Leyland “Tiger” Mayne while outside a friend?s house. Ellis testified he nudged Mayne?s kitten; Mayne contends Ellis kicked the animal.
“I was trying to shoo it away with my foot,” Ellis said. “I?m a pet lover. … If somebody?s cat is going into a box, I don?t want to see that happen.”
Mayne and several friends then confronted Ellis, Ellis said.
Ellis testified that he ran inside and grabbed three kitchen knives, then put Mayne in a bear-hug while stabbing him in the back.
Mayne was treated for six stab wounds.
Prosecutor Felise Kelly recommended a 13-year sentence, but said she was pleased with the judge?s decision.
“He showed he was a threat to the community,” she said.
