A Maryland judge has sentenced 63-year-old James Richburg to 70 years in prison for the 2024 fatal shooting of a fellow bus passenger. The killing occurred after William Womack, 32, bumped into Richburg and failed to apologize.
The sentencing took place on Friday in Baltimore. Richburg was convicted of second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Prosecutors said the shooting happened around 1 p.m. on November 30, 2024, on an MTA bus near Eutaw and Redwood streets. After Womack dropped a bottle and bumped into Richburg, an argument started. Richburg allegedly shouted, "I won't let you live," then shot Womack in the chest.
Richburg's attorney argued self-defense, but prosecutors said surveillance footage showed Womack was unarmed. Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates said the sentence ensures Richburg will spend the rest of his life behind bars.