Oct 15, 2007 8:43 pm US/Eastern
Plea Bargain Reached After Alleged Rim Thief Shot
by Suzanne Collins
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Johnson's car crashed about a block away with the victim inside shot in the head. (File)
CBS
A Park Heights man, who shot and killed a person he caught removing his expensive tire rims, takes a guilty plea in court.
Suzanne Collins reports Charles Brockington pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and a handgun charge. In exchange, the prosecutor agrees he will serve five years behind bars.
In July, Brockington awakened at 5 a.m. to hear someone fiddling with his 2006 Mercedes parked outside his Northwest Baltimore home.
"Mr. Brockington was confronted with a situation many people are confronted with in Baltimore City, which is crime. And when he heard somebody trying to steal his car, he came outside in just his underwear," said Tony Garcia, Brockington's lawyer.
Brockington also had a gun in his hand when he discovered Joseph Johnson had already removed three tires and rims from his car.
Brockington admits in court he told Johnson if he'd only return his rims he wouldn't call police. He says Johnson went into his car as if to give the rims back, but instead took off. That's when he fired the shot.
Johnson's family is not happy with the plea bargain in which Brockington serves five years for involuntary manslaughter.
"We're not happy with it. You give this guy five years. You murdered someone. You had an unregistered gun and you give them five years," said Michael Johnson, the victim's brother.
Johnson's family says the 29-year-old victim has a new baby who will never know her father. But Brockington's wife says the criminal case against her husband has been tough for her and their family, too.
"He was just a good man, and what's happening to him right now, it is hard for me and my family and his family. I just want my husband to come home soon," said Daphne Brockington.
Johnson had a history of theft, and he was even charged with stealing the car he used the night of his death.
Brockington also had convictions in his past. His wife says that was long ago, and he's done nothing but be truthful this time around.
"What he did was good, and I'm proud of him for that, and I'm proud of my husband no matter what is being said about him," said Daphne Brockington.
It's expected Brockington will be released until he is formally sentenced to the five years in November. But the judge warned him if he didn't show up, he could serve a lot more time than that.
Brockington's lawyer says he called 911 after the shooting, turned over the gun to police and immediately told police he fired the fatal shot.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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