- John-John Williams IV
Man found fatally shot near O'Donnell Heights is identified
Police have identified a Baltimore man found shot to death Wednesday afternoon near the city's O'Donnell Heights community. The body of Anthony Benitez, 21, was found about 2 p.m. in the 1400 block of Anglesea St. between Boston Street and Cardiff Avenue. Benitez was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Metro Crime Stoppers is offering $2,000 for information leading to an indictment. Call 410-276-8888.
Six indicted on charges of robbery of armored cars
A federal grand jury indicted six Baltimoreans on charges they conspired to rob armored cars at gunpoint, the Maryland U.S. attorney's office announced. The 14-count indictment, which was returned May 20 and unsealed Thursday, alleges that the defendants targeted multiple vehicles, including one parked outside the Lexington Market a year ago from which they stole $105,000. Latarsha McLean, 25, is charged as an accessory after the fact for allegedly sheltering another defendant who was shot during an August robbery attempt. Others charged: Donald Cromwell, 54; Walter Morsley, 49; Melvin Morton, 55; Charles Witherspoon, 49; and Danielle Best, 26. The charges carry a range of prison sentences, from a minimum of five years to a maximum of 20 years.
- Tricia Bishop
City suit against online travel companies can go forward
A lawsuit filed by the city seeking $6 million in tax payments from online travel companies, including Travelocity and Expedia, can go forward, U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis ruled this week. The companies had filed a motion to dismiss the case, which the judge denied Wednesday. The lawsuit, filed in December, complains that the Web-based businesses did not pay hotel room taxes. The companies have said they're not required to pay the taxes because they provide a booking service, not actual hotel rooms.
- Tricia Bishop
