In the Baltimore Royal Farms shooting, an ex-security guard was convicted guilty of second-degree murder.
In a tragic incident that unfolded at a Baltimore Royal Farms store last year, a woman employed as a security guard has been found guilty of second-degree murder.
The verdict was reached on Thursday, delivering justice in a case that captured attention.
The convicted woman, Kanisha Spence, aged 45, was also held accountable for employing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. However, the jury did not find her guilty of the more severe charge of first-degree murder.
The victim, Marquise Powell, 26 years old, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head during the early hours of October 30, 2022. The unfortunate incident occurred at the convenience store situated on Washington Boulevard in Southeast Baltimore. Powell was rushed to the hospital following the shooting but tragically succumbed to his injuries a few days later.
At the time of the incident, Kanisha Spence was on duty as a security guard employed by the Maximum Protective Security Agency. Her role led her to the Royal Farms store where the incident took place, as detailed in the charging documents.
According to the information revealed in these documents, Powell entered the Royal Farms store accompanied by a woman. While inside the store, Spence reportedly requested them to leave. This request seemingly provoked the man, leading to a state of agitation and frustration. He momentarily exited the store, only to return shortly thereafter, directing his anger towards Spence.
In a tense exchange, Spence drew her .9 mm semiautomatic handgun, pointing it at the agitated man. As per the documents, he left the store again after this confrontation but later reappeared, once more engaging with Spence.
The situation escalated, with the woman attempting to physically restrain Powell in the store’s vestibule area. Eventually, she advanced towards him and, tragically, fired a shot that struck him in the head. The charging documents indicate that Spence justified her actions by stating that she shot him in response to his perceived lunge towards her.
Interestingly, the investigation revealed that the victim did not actually lunge at Spence, but rather closed the physical distance between them. This detail adds nuance to the events that transpired, suggesting a level of confrontation but not necessarily a direct lunge as claimed.
Throughout the altercation, Spence’s emotions did not appear to be marked by fear, except for the moment when she believed he was lunging at her. This distinction highlights the complexity of the situation and the subjective nature of her perception.
The legal proceedings are now moving towards the sentencing phase, which is set to take place on December 21. The case has captured the attention of the Baltimore community and the broader public, shedding light on the challenges faced by security personnel and the serious consequences that can arise in tense confrontations.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
