A 61-year-old man from Maryland is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of fatally shooting a 30-year-old passenger on an MTA bus following a minor confrontation.
James Richburg was convicted on charges of second-degree murder, use of a firearm in a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in the killing of William Womack on Nov. 30, 2024.
The incident unfolded in Baltimore when Richburg and Womack were riding on the MTA bus. Authorities say Womack accidentally bumped into Richburg without apologizing as he was departing the bus, prompting a heated argument between the two men.
Womack reentered the bus after the dispute, and Richburg allegedly opened fire, shooting him in the chest at close range. Womack was later transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Shooting and Investigation
Baltimore police officers responded to the shooting at approximately 2 p.m. that day, finding Womack with gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, Womack was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Following the shooting, Richburg fled the scene but was later apprehended on an MTA bus in the 1600 block of North Fulton Avenue, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Richburg had a criminal history, including previous convictions for felony robbery and firearms possession, which contributed to the charges against him. After further investigation, authorities identified him as the shooter based on witness testimonies and security footage from inside the bus.
The Trial and Defense Arguments
During the trial, Richburg’s defense attorney argued that he acted in self-defense, claiming that he was provoked by Womack’s bump and ongoing harassment. The defense described Richburg as being in a heightened state of fear, but there was no evidence to support that Womack had been armed or had physically threatened Richburg.
Prosecutors, however, presented security footage showing that Womack had accidentally bumped into Richburg while bending down to pick up a bottle he had dropped. The footage contradicted Richburg’s claims, as it showed that the victim did not act aggressively toward him.
Prosecutors also highlighted Richburg’s statement before the shooting, where he reportedly told Womack, “I’m not going to let you live,” which they argued indicated intent to kill.
The Verdict and Sentencing
Richburg was convicted of second-degree murder and other related charges. He is currently scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 10, where he may face a lengthy prison term. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of how small confrontations can escalate into deadly violence, with significant consequences for all involved.
