A man involved in a series of attacks on two Korean American sisters in West Baltimore has been sentenced to serve life in prison, with all time suspended but 30 years.
About the ruling: Darryl Doles, 53, faced charges including attempted first-degree murder, second-degree assault and hate crimes for acts of violence he committed in 2021, reported The Baltimore Banner.
The sentencing was delivered by Circuit Judge Jeannie J. Hong on Feb. 7 in Baltimore Circuit Court. Doles, who pled guilty on Sept. 18, 2023, was also given five years of probation and ordered to take part in drug treatment as well as mental health counseling.
About the crime: On May 2, 2021, Doles initially engaged in a confrontation with a security guard at Linden Bar & Liquors in Reservoir Hill over mask-wearing policies before the physical assault. He then proceeded to 40/40 Liquor Beer & Wine and Wonder Land Liquors & Bar, where he struck two sisters with a cement block, leaving them with severe injuries. The incident was captured in surveillance video.
Racial nature of Doles’ attacks: Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates described Doles’ actions as “steeped in hatred and prejudice.” Assistant State’s Attorney Cynthia Banks similarly emphasized the racial nature of the attacks in pushing for the maximum sentence. She highlighted the gravity of Doles’ attempt to scapegoat an entire community for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dole’s defense lawyer Staci Pipkin underscored her client’s remorse and struggles with substance use disorder.
