Tristin Cofield Pleaded Guilty to Baltimore Murder
A defendant entered a guilty plea for a 2025 shooting death on the 2500 block of W. Franklin Street.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Financial Crime
Tristin Cofield pleaded guilty to murder and firearm use in the death of 38-year-old Briane Gaye. The shooting occurred on the 2500 block of W. Franklin Street.
Why it matters
The plea brings a resolution to the 2025 homicide case in which the victim was killed during the theft of a $1,300 scooter. This outcome follows the sentencing of a co-defendant involved in the crime.
Cofield received a 20-year sentence for firearm use in a felony, with the first five years served without parole. He is scheduled for sentencing on the murder charge in January.
The players
Tristin Cofield
He is the 18-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to murder and firearm charges.
Briane Gaye
He was the 38-year-old victim who died after being shot on the 2500 block of W. Franklin Street.
Dajuan Heath
He is a 25-year-old co-defendant who received a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
The details
Surveillance footage captured Cofield and 25-year-old Dajuan Heath confronting Gaye before shooting him multiple times. The pair then fled the scene with the victim's scooter, which was valued at $1,300.
Timeline
Aug. 9, 2025: Briane Gaye was shot and killed.
Sept. 28, 2026: Tristin Cofield entered a guilty plea.
Jan. 12, 2027: Cofield is scheduled for felony murder sentencing.
Legal Context
The plea follows the recent sentencing of Dajuan Heath, who received 20 years for his role in the robbery and killing. The outcome reflects local efforts to secure convictions in violent crimes involving property theft.
The guilty plea resolves a violent incident that occurred on a public street, signaling a step forward in the legal process for the local community. Residents can observe the case conclusion when sentencing occurs in 2027.
The takeaway
The case highlights the severe legal consequences for firearm use during property crimes in Baltimore. Public safety remains a priority as the courts continue to process participants involved in fatal robberies.
What happens next
Tristin Cofield is scheduled to appear in the Baltimore City Circuit Court for his felony murder sentencing on Jan. 12, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local legal developments at Financial Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Baltimore Witness.
