A Baltimore man who violently attacked two elderly pro-life advocates received a surprisingly light sentence on Thursday. Patrick Brice, 28, was sentenced to one year of home detention and three years of probation after he was convicted of assaulting 73-year-old Mark Crosby and 84-year-old Richard Schaefer. The incident occurred outside a Planned Parenthood facility on May 26, 2023.
Judge Yvette M. Bryant handed down the sentence, which has sparked outrage among the victims and their supporters. Prosecutors had asked for a much harsher penalty of ten years in prison, arguing that a strong message was needed to deter such attacks based on political and religious beliefs. However, the judge opted for home detention instead.
After the sentencing, Crosby expressed his disappointment, stating that he felt the justice system was not supportive of victims, especially seniors. He remarked, "Baltimore City is criminal-friendly. It’s not victim-friendly at all, especially if you’re a senior." He also shared that the day of the attack was significant for him, as he felt he was suffering for his faith.
The attack left Crosby with serious injuries, including a fractured bone in his face and blindness in one eye. He now experiences photophobia, meaning he struggles with bright lights. He brought photos of his injuries and the bloodied shirt he wore during the attack to the courtroom, highlighting the brutality of the incident.
Brice was convicted of two counts of second-degree assault and two counts of reckless endangerment. He avoided a first-degree assault charge during both a jury trial and a subsequent bench trial. His defense claimed the attack was not motivated by political beliefs and that Brice had lost jobs and a relationship due to the case.
During the trial, Brice expressed remorse, saying he "snapped" after a comment made by Schaefer. He claimed it was a bad day for him, but his lawyer argued that the attack was not politically motivated.
Crosby and Schaefer, who regularly advocate outside the Planned Parenthood facility, were undeterred by the attack and have continued their efforts. Schaefer stated that he would return to the same location regardless of the outcome of the case.
Crosby believes Brice should have faced hate crime charges, especially since he claimed Brice yanked a crucifix from his neck during the assault. Brice, however, denied any animosity toward Christians.
The attack was captured on surveillance video, showing Brice tackling Schaefer and then violently assaulting Crosby. The footage has raised concerns about the safety of individuals expressing their beliefs in public spaces.
As the community reacts to the sentencing, many are left questioning the message it sends about violence against those who hold differing views.
