A Baltimore man has been sentenced in connection with a violent robbery and assault incident in Butcher's Hill, which was captured on camera and left a 66-year-old man severely injured. Montaz Bailey, the convicted individual, was ordered to serve part of a 25-year sentence, with a significant portion suspended but five years mandated to be served without the possibility of parole, as FOX Baltimore reported.
The incident occurred on the evening of Sept. 26, 2024, resulting in the arrest of Bailey and a 15-year-old accomplice. Surveillance footage helped to apprehend the perpetrators quickly. However, the case drew public ire after the juvenile suspect was released to a guardian following a review. The Baltimore Sun detailed further critique from Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Vincent Schiraldi, who faced backlash over handling the case.
The attack itself was brutal, with the victim, identified only as Bernie, describing how the attackers snuck up on him, leaving him unconscious and with considerable injuries, including a concussion and a lacerated eyelid. In his alarming account, Bernie recalled, "I actually didn't hear anything. They were very, very quiet. Almost like they snuck up on me. But I could feel their presence. They didn't say anything but when I saw them, they had ski masks on.” Police found Bailey armed with the gun used during the robbery and the minor in possession of Bernie's stolen keys, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Police Commissioner Richard Worley expressed frustration over juveniles being quickly released from custody, a point he made clear during the scandal, according to WMAR 2 News. Despite these broader issues, the sentence marks the end of Bailey's involvement in the crime as he starts serving time for the assault as part of a plea deal, according to the same report.
