Hearing Continued in 3-Defendant Homicide Case

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A sentencing was delayed for three defendants in a murder case while one of the accused asked for more time to consider a plea offer from the prosecution. Keith Baham’s defense attorney requested a 30-day extension to review the plea deal, extended to all, in the case.

Raymond Avent, 23, Tyler Stringfield, 24, and Baham, 23, are charged with allegedly murdering Rafiq Hawkins, 23, on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

Avent, Baham, and Stringfield are facing multiple counts including first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.

In addition, the trio is accused of unlawfully entering a motor vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing a law enforcement officer, destruction of property worth less than $1,000, two counts of destruction of property $1,000 or more, and leaving the scene while armed after a collision causing injury to an animal.

Baham is also charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction.

Meanwhile, the other two defendants must postpone acting on the plea agreement until Baham decides whether to accept or reject it.

All parties are expected back in court on April 25.

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