Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy denied a motion to transfer 17-year-old Samijae Canada to the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) on Nov. 14 before sentencing him to 60 years for his role in the 2023 homicide of Ronald Wagner.
Judge Handy called the ruling “not an easy decision to make,” noting that both sides presented strong arguments on amendability. The defense highlighted Canada’s extensive traumatic history, including the 2022 murder of his brother, witnessing his cousin being shot, and early childhood abuse. Defense attorney Robert Linthicum said Canada has been asking for treatment since his detention and struggled with mental health issues from a young age.
A licensed neuropsychologist testified that Canada would benefit from long-term trauma treatment and was concerned about him returning to the community “too soon.” Judge Handy recommended individual and trauma therapy but found that DJS could not meet his needs, denying the transfer…