East Baltimore — A Baltimore City jury found Derek Black guilty of first degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence.
On June 3, 2017 at midnight, several other people were shooting dice in the 1700 block of Rutland Avenue, including the defendant and the victim — Greg Manuel, Jr. At some point, an argument ensued between Black and Manuel because of the dice game. Despite the efforts of several to de-escalate the disagreement, it continued with Manuel eventually striking Black with a small stick but causing no injury to him.
Subsequently, the defendant went to his van that was parked nearby, retrieved a handgun, walked back to Manuel and shot him five times, killing him in front of several others including the victim’s mother. The gunfire struck Manuel’s rib, lungs, and heart.
“It’s a shame that a petty argument between friends resulted in a mother losing her son,” said State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. “We must value the lives of our friends and neighbors more, and learn how to use non-violent methods to resolve conflict. Nothing, especially not a game, is worth the end result that became both of these men’s realities — death and incarceration.”
The defendant faces a maximum sentence of Life in prison plus 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2018.
