Cassandra McRae Sentenced to 140 Years for Murder
A Baltimore judge handed down the lengthy sentence following a fatal 2025 shooting.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Violence
Cassandra McRae has been sentenced to 140 years in prison for her role in the second-degree murder of Antoinette Jennings. The 38-year-old was convicted after a shooting at York Road and Woodbourne Avenue that also left two other individuals wounded.
Why it matters
The shooting followed a fight at a children's basketball game, highlighting the deadly consequences of retaliatory violence in the community. Prosecutors had requested a 295-year sentence, while the defense sought 25 years.
A jury convicted 38-year-old Cassandra McRae of second-degree murder and related charges in a case where the actual gunman died during the investigation. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Tavon Singleton was found not guilty of all charges related to the incident.
The players
Cassandra McRae
The 38-year-old defendant was sentenced to 140 years in prison for her role in orchestrating the fatal shooting.
Antoinette Jennings
The 52-year-old victim was an employee at Waverly Elementary/Middle School who died in the January 2025 shooting.
Tavon Singleton
The 35-year-old was charged in connection with the incident but was found not guilty of all counts by a jury.
The details
McRae initiated the sequence of events by making a phone call and pursuing the victims in a car, eventually pointing at their vehicle to signal for an attack. Two men approached the vehicle and opened fire, killing 52-year-old Antoinette Jennings, who was an employee at Waverly Elementary/Middle School.
Timeline
January 22, 2025: A shooting occurred near York Road and Woodbourne Avenue following a basketball game.
October 13, 2026: Cassandra McRae was sentenced to 140 years in prison.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows the 2025 Baltimore sentencing guidelines, which dictate how judges weigh non-shooter culpability in violent crimes. The verdict reflects a broader judicial trend of holding individuals criminally accountable for coordinating fatal attacks even when they do not pull the trigger.
This case highlights the city's ongoing legal response to shootings stemming from interpersonal conflicts at public venues like Tunbridge Public Charter School. Residents should be aware that the Baltimore court system continues to aggressively prosecute individuals involved in orchestrating violent acts.
The takeaway
The lengthy sentence serves as a reminder of the severe legal repercussions for those who incite fatal violence, regardless of who physically carries out the act. Legal experts advise that cases involving group-based retaliation often lead to intense judicial scrutiny and maximum-level sentencing outcomes.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing efforts to address community violence, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baltimore Banner.
