"He knew there was going to be an attack ... and his job at that point was to be sure Julian didn't get away," assistant state's attorney James Dietrich said in his closing statements.
In his verdict, Bernhardt described Lichtenstein's injuries as leaving "significant and horrific scarring."
Lichtenstein, who was flown by helicopter to Maryland Shock Trauma Center, began to turn blue after being stabbed at least eight times in the torso, arm and shoulder, according to testimony. The top of one his kidneys was cut off, and the contents of his abdominal cavity was protruding from a wound when paramedics arrived, according to prosecutors and first responders who testified Monday.
Lichtenstein, who graduated from Pikesville High School in the spring, testified that he stayed at Shock Trauma for nearly a month recovering from his injuries and expects to undergo one more surgery.
Despite the judge's decision to acquit Taylor of all but the one charge, prosecutors said that they respected it and were not disappointed with the verdict.
"I think the judge fully explained his reason," said assistant state's attorney Susan Weinstein. "I think that it was a just verdict."
Terrasa and co-counsel Craig M. Gendler declined to comment after the trial. Taylor's mother, Shuree, also did not comment.
Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 1.
Leconte's trial is set for Sept. 2. He is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, armed robbery and several other counts.
tyeesha.dixon@baltsun.com
