A Baltimore jury has convicted 38-year-old Everett Schwartz of first-degree murder and multiple gun charges in the 2021 killing of 34-year-old Timothy Orem on the 3600 block of Shelby Avenue in Curtis Bay. The near-unanimous verdict on April 24 capped a brief multi-day trial and leaves Schwartz, who already has prior gun convictions, waiting on a new sentence.
Jurors found Schwartz guilty of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, wearing or carrying a handgun on his person, and possession of a firearm as a prohibited person, while acquitting him of a separate count that accused him of having a handgun in a vehicle, according to Baltimore Witness. Prosecutors said charging documents describe Schwartz shooting Orem several times, continuing to fire as Orem tried to run, then appearing to rob him as he lay on the ground. Surveillance video and eyewitness identification were described as key pieces of the state’s case.
Already Locked Up For Another Killing
The Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City reported that Schwartz was already serving a 39-year sentence for the January 21, 2021, murder of Tavaughn Anderson, a prior case prosecutors highlighted for jurors at trial, according to the Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City. That earlier conviction was used to paint Schwartz as a repeat violent offender as the new murder charges went before the jury.
DNA, Video And Witnesses
In the Shelby Avenue case, a forensic analyst testified that DNA from a cigarette butt and a pack of unused Newports collected at the scene produced single-source male profiles that closely matched Schwartz, though the defense argued that DNA transfer could not be ruled out, according to Baltimore Witness. Police had responded to the 3600 block of Shelby Avenue on February 1, 2021, where officers pronounced a man dead at the scene, as reported at the time by Shore News Network.
What Comes Next
Because Schwartz has now been convicted of first-degree murder, he faces Maryland’s most severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment with or without parole, under state law referenced in Maryland Criminal Law §2-304. A separate sentencing hearing will be scheduled in Baltimore City Circuit Court, and officials have not yet announced when that will take place.
