A Baltimore man has been sentenced to 70 years in prison following a fatal shooting that occurred on a Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus. James Richburg, 63, was convicted of second-degree murder and other charges related to the incident that took place on November 30, 2024, on South Eutaw Street.
During the sentencing on Friday, Baltimore Circuit Judge Kimberly McBride acknowledged Richburg's remorse for the death of 30-year-old William Womack, but emphasized that the jury's verdict must be respected.
The prosecution detailed the events leading to the shooting, stating that an argument erupted after Womack accidentally dropped a bottle of Gatorade near Richburg. Witnesses reported that Richburg yelled, “I won’t let you live!” before shooting Womack once in the chest as he returned to the bus to confront him about the remark.
Assistant State’s Attorney Brent Weinberg sought the maximum penalty of 75 years, citing Richburg's extensive criminal history, which includes previous convictions for robbery and illegal firearm possession. Weinberg described Richburg as someone who posed a danger to society and stated that the defendant's actions were not reflective of a civilized response to conflict.
Family members of Womack attended the sentencing, providing emotional victim impact statements that highlighted the profound loss felt by his loved ones. Womack was remembered as a devoted father of two with a passion for football and music.
Richburg's attorney, Avrohom Greenfield, argued that his client acted out of self-defense, claiming that Womack had provoked the situation. Greenfield asserted that Richburg felt threatened and carried a firearm for protection.
After the sentencing, Womack's mother, Tamika Johnson, expressed her satisfaction with the sentence but noted that it would not bring her son back. She emphasized the importance of cherishing loved ones and criticized Richburg's claim of remorse.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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