Baltimore carjacking leaves two women severely injured; 75-year sentence handed down

A brutal carjacking in Pikesville last year has culminated in a lengthy prison sentence for Reginald Cornelius Belton, who received 75 years behind bars Monday for his role in the attack that left two elderly women with life-altering injuries. The sentence, delivered by the Baltimore County State's Attorney, reflects the severity of the crime and Belton's criminal history.

The incident: a daytime assault

The harrowing events unfolded on August 21, 2024, when Belton, along with two other individuals, confronted a 66-year-old woman as she was unloading groceries from her car. According to court records, Belton and his accomplices brandished a firearm, escalating the situation when the woman resisted. The ensuing struggle resulted in catastrophic consequences for both the 66-year-old and her 87-year-old mother, who attempted to intervene.

But the details are particularly grim: as one of the assailants jumped into the driver’s seat, the car sped away, dragging the 66-year-old woman. Simultaneously, the 87-year-old was struck, suffering devastating injuries. The sheer violence of the act, targeting two vulnerable women in broad daylight, prompted prosecutors to seek the maximum penalty.

Devastating injuries and personal testimonies

The court heard direct accounts of the trauma endured by the victims. The 66-year-old woman recounted suffering a brain bleed, a fractured toe, and numerous abrasions, requiring months of intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The 87-year-old woman’s condition was far more critical. She was rushed to Shock Trauma, where she underwent multiple surgeries to address a fractured pelvis, collapsed lung, fractured ribs, fractures to both legs, and a broken ankle. She now requires assistance to walk.

The prosecution emphasized Belton's prior criminal history and the sheer scale of the injuries sustained by the victims as justification for the harsh sentence. Darius Wolfe, another co-defendant, has also been found guilty of armed carjacking and assault and is awaiting sentencing on July 31st. He maintains his innocence.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our elderly population and the devastating impact of violent crime. Belton’s 75-year sentence, while a measure of justice, cannot erase the profound and lasting trauma inflicted upon the victims and their family. The pursuit of justice continues with Wolfe's upcoming sentencing, a necessary step in holding all those involved accountable for their actions.