A Baltimore man was found guilty on Thursday of assaulting two elderly pro-life advocates outside the Planned Parenthood Baltimore Health Center on May 26, 2023.
After a two-hour jury deliberation, 28-year-old Patrick Brice was convicted on two counts of second-degree assault and reckless endangerment for attacking 84-year-old Richard Schaefer and 73-year-old Mark Crosby, according to The Baltimore Banner.
During the trial, Brice did not deny the attack but argued that he did not intend to cause serious harm to the two men.
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The jury acquitted him of one count of first-degree assault against Schaefer and was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on one count of first-degree assault against Crosby.
Brice now faces sentencing on March 20.
It remains unclear whether prosecutors will seek a retrial on the unresolved first-degree assault charge.
James Bentley, spokesperson for the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office, stated that they are “reviewing the matter and will take whatever action we believe is warranted following that review and consultation with the victim.”
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Surveillance footage released by police shows the sequence of events.
The video captures Brice approaching Schaefer and Crosby, who were praying on the sidewalk outside the clinic on North Howard Street.
Brice appears to exchange words with Schaefer before turning away momentarily, then suddenly tackling him into a flowerpot.
The footage then shows Crosby running over to assist, but Brice turns on him, tackling, punching, and kicking him in the face before fleeing the scene.
Schaefer initially declined medical attention, but he later sought care at an urgent care center after noticing his head was bleeding. He testified that he continues to suffer pain in one of his shoulders.
“It seems like I was attacked on a city street not doing any harm to people,” Schaefer stated in court.
Crosby suffered more severe injuries, spending three days at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center following the attack.
He testified that he later had to return to the emergency room twice due to lingering complications.
Crosby reported suffering an orbital fracture, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light in his right eye.
“I have to watch my back all the time,” Crosby told the court. “Always aware of who’s around me.”
Brice’s attorney, Assistant Public Defender Matthew Connell, argued that his client never intended to cause serious injury, which is necessary for a first-degree assault conviction.
With sentencing scheduled for March 20, Brice faces penalties for second-degree assault and reckless endangerment, though the potential for further legal action remains as prosecutors continue their review of the case.
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