Gennien Georgie had been waiting for the phone call for nearly two months, and just as she was about to give up, the phone rang and there was a police officer on the other end: An arrest had been made.
Kemoni Sterrett, 15, who lives in Baltimore?s Walbrook section, was arrested in connection with the May 13 murder of Justice Georgie.
Sterrett, who is being charged as an adult, has been charged with first-degree murder, robbery, theft and several handgun violations, police said.
Georgie, 36, with his son, had come to visit his wife at her Divine Unity Unisex Hair Salon on Garrison Boulevard when a suspect broke in, pointed a gun at the register and demanded money. The salon had been robbed just a month before, she said, and in an act of frustration Justice Georgie was shot and killed while attempting to overpower the robber.
In the initial month after her husband?s killing, Georgie struggled to get in touch with officers involved in the case and said she had “no confidence” in Baltimore City police and did not feel that “everything was done” to solve the crime.
Wednesday?s arrest restored Georgie?s confidence and granted her closure and relief, she said. Her early criticism of the police department was a result of anger and frustration, Georgie said.
“I just wanted the police to treat it like it was their case, like it was someone close to them,” George said. “I am so relieved that this is over, and I?m very pleased with everything.”
While the arrest has changed Georgie?s perspective, she may be in the minority. Only 34.5 percent of Baltimore City?s 2006 homicides have been solved, and only five have been closed in the last month.
“I can admit when I?m wrong,” Georgie said. “My husband?s case took less than three months and some take five or more years.”
Baltimore City police closed 27 homicide cases from previous years in 2006 but of the 136 homicides this year 89 remain unsolved. The murder rate, however, is down from 144 at this point last year, police said.
Sterrett will face harsh consequences, but Georgie said she does not wish Sterrett harm, only that he realizes his wrongs and expresses remorse.
“I have a 13-year-old-son and I want to teach him and this young boy that when you do something like this there are consequences,” Georgie said. “But you can always change.”
