A man in Baltimore’s jail, awaiting trial for murder, was sentenced to life without parole after he strangled his cellmate to death. Staron, 35, was charged in a stabbing attack and housed with Javarick Gantt, a deaf man. Gantt, facing minor charges and relying on sign language, was killed by Staron. The incident raised concerns about operations in the detention center and the court system.
Staron pleaded guilty to killing Gantt after being convicted in the earlier stabbing case, referred to as an “axe murder.” Prosecutors stated that Staron armed himself with an axe and attacked Keith Bell, a homeless man at a bus stop. Staron’s attorney described his history of mental illness and substance abuse during the sentencing hearing.
Defense attorney Jason Silverstein emphasized Staron’s mental health issues and unstable state. Staron had been assaulted by other inmates before Gantt’s murder, leading to injuries and mental instability. The attorney argued for the possibility of parole, but Judge Althea Handy sentenced Staron to life without parole, citing the brutality of the crimes.
Family members of the victims expressed their grief and frustration with the system. Gantt’s father, Rick Barry Sr., highlighted the failure of the system in protecting his son. Attorney Andrew Slutkin questioned how a disabled man like Gantt ended up sharing a cell with a violent offender like Staron.
Prosecutors argued that Staron posed a danger to public safety and presented inconsistent statements about the crimes. As Staron received his sentence, State’s Attorney Ivan Bates mentioned ongoing investigations into other cases involving Staron. Bates expressed hope that the sentence would bring closure to the victims’ families.
Staron’s family watched silently as he was led out of the courtroom. Bates reassured that Staron would never harm anyone outside prison walls again. The article was written by Lea Skene.
Please rewrite the following sentence: “The cat lazily stretched out on the sunny windowsill.”
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