Baltimore Judge Declines Felony Charge for Brutal Assault on Pro-Life Advocates

Mark Crosby suffered multiple facial fractures and temporary blindness. Photo: LifeNews.com

BALTIMORE, MD — Patrick Brice, who violently attacked two elderly pro-life advocates outside a Planned Parenthood facility in May 2023, was found not guilty of felony first-degree assault in a closely watched retrial. The Maryland Circuit Court for Baltimore City, presided over by Judge Yvette Bryant, instead upheld two misdemeanor convictions for second-degree assault and endangerment.

Brice attacked Dick Schaefer, 84, and Mark Crosby, 73, as they peacefully prayed outside the North Howard Street abortion center. The unprovoked assault left Schaefer unconscious and Crosby with severe facial fractures and temporary blindness. Though Brice’s guilt was not contested by his defense, a February jury deadlocked on the felony charge, prompting the June 23 retrial.

Despite the severity of the injuries, Judge Bryant declined to elevate the charges, releasing Brice again on his own recognizance ahead of his August sentencing. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each misdemeanor count, though advocates fear he may receive a much lighter sentence.

According to reporting from LifeNews.com, the decision has drawn strong condemnation from pro-life leaders. Laura Bogley, Executive Director of Maryland Right to Life, said that the State of Maryland “continues to blatantly discriminate against pro-life speech.”

“This Court has a duty to apply justice blindly and Judge Bryant has failed in her duty to the citizens and the Constitution.” 

Bogley accused both the court and the Baltimore City prosecutor’s office of bias for refusing to pursue hate crime or federal FACE Act charges.

“This was a violent hate crime and an attack on Catholics and religious freedom everywhere,” Bogley said, urging state and federal officials to intervene.

Despite the setback, victim Mark Crosby remains committed to sidewalk advocacy. “It’s just a wonderful feeling when a mother comes up and says, ‘Thank you for ministering to me and that I didn’t have to murder my baby,’” he said, calling on others to join the peaceful pro-life witness outside abortion facilities.

Advocates vow to continue pressing for oversight of the Maryland judiciary and for accountability in cases of violence against religious or pro-life expression.

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