One of the two men accused of murdering an AFRO security guard last spring was sentenced to life in prison with all but 35 years suspended by a circuit court judge April 11.
Troy Taylor, 20, pled guilty to first-degree murder, the use of a handgun in the commission of a crime, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and two other charges for his role in the killing.
He, along with accomplice Michael Hunter, 20, allegedly robbed a Greenmount Avenue carryout at gunpoint shortly after midnight April 8, 2010.
Charles Bowman Sr., a 73-year-old overnight security guard for the AFRO, was inside grabbing a meal in preparation for his shift when the two men rushed the store. Startled, Bowman made a sudden movement, which prosecutors say prompted Hunter to open fire. Bowman later died from gunshot wounds at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The Vietnam War veteran had served eight years at the AFRO and was a deacon at his church.
Police say the defendants retrieved $13 dollars over the course of the stickup.
Carrie Bowman, one of the deceased’s daughters, said “nobody wins” in this case.
“We are happy justice is being served but we’re sad he’s just a kid,” she said. “They are children. All we can do is hope they receive rehabilitation.”
A trial for Michael Hunter is scheduled for June 30.
