A Maryland man killed a restaurant manager in a botched robbery. Now, he will spend at least half a century behind bars.
Recently, Baltimore City Circuit Judge Althea M. Handy sentenced Samuel Wise Jr. to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the shooting death of Chesley “Chesco” Patterson. Wise pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, use of a handgun during the commission of a crime of violence, and first-degree escape for killing.
"The tragic death of Mr. Patterson was a shock to this tight-knit community and our city as a whole. As his family and loved ones approach the second anniversary of his murder, we continue to grieve with them and extend our victim services to them during this immensely difficult time," said Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates, according to WBALTV.
On Jan. 23, 2022, Baltimore City Police Department responded to near the intersection of Eastern Avenue and South Broadway in Fells Point after receiving reports of a shooting. There, they found Patterson with a single gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was rushed to John Hopkins University Hospital, where he was later declared dead.
Patterson, who was the manager of La Scala Ristorante Italiano in Little Italy, had closed up the store around midnight. However, on his way home, the 44-year-old Patterson made a stop at a local store to buy some groceries. However, after shopping, placing the groceries in the trunk of his car, and pulling out of the parking lot, the victim was blocked on his driver’s side by a van. Soon, an occupant of the van accosted Patterson, who struggled with the perpetrator before being struck with a single shot to the chest.
Later, investigators retrieved video footage from a security camera that captured the fatal incident. In the video, Wise could be seen absconding from the scene. As a result, investigators tracked down the 24-year-old defendant and found pictures of him wearing the same clothes as the perpetrator in the video. In addition, they found text messages from Wise to another individual admitting to the murder, while authorities also placed his phone at the scene of the crime.
Wise will be eligible for release after spending 50 years in prison. He was also sentenced to additional twenty-five years to be served concurrently.
“Fifty years is nothing compared to the beautiful life lost and the anxiety, trauma and hurt that was brought upon so many. I hope this murderer lays awake at night and his heart hurts just as bad as ours will forever. Our voices must be heard. We love you Chesley, and we will scream your name forever,” stated the victim’s family in a statement reported Law and Crime.
Patterson was an employee of La Scala restaurant for 17 years.
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