A 61-year-old man from Maryland is facing a life sentence after being convicted of murdering a bus passenger over a seemingly trivial dispute.
James Richburg was found guilty on Friday of second-degree murder, the use of a firearm in a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in connection with the killing of 30-year-old William Womack.
The Fatal Incident
The fatal shooting occurred on the afternoon of November 30, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. Around 2 p.m., police officers responded to a report of a shooting on South Eutaw Street.
Upon arrival, they found Womack, an adult male, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, but tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
An investigation quickly led police to identify James Richburg as the man responsible for the shooting. Authorities reported that the shooting was the result of a dispute between Richburg and Womack, which had begun on an MTA bus shortly before the fatal incident.
The Dispute on the Bus
According to court documents and witness testimony, the altercation began when Womack accidentally bumped into Richburg while departing the bus. Womack did not apologize for the unintentional contact, which seemed to upset Richburg. The two men then got into a verbal argument, and Womack briefly reentered the bus.
It was at this point that Richburg allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Womack at near point-blank range, hitting him in the chest. After shooting Womack, Richburg fled the scene on foot. Police later identified Richburg as the shooter through witness statements and security camera footage from inside the bus.
The Defense and Prosecution’s Arguments
During the trial, Richburg’s defense attorney argued that his client had acted in self-defense after being bumped by Womack. The defense claimed that Womack’s actions, combined with his verbal confrontation, had heightened Richburg’s sense of danger, leading him to act out of fear for his safety.
They described Richburg as being in a “fight or flight” state when he was confronted by Womack, even though Womack was unarmed.
However, the prosecution countered this argument, asserting that Richburg’s actions were not defensive but aggressive. They presented evidence from the bus’s security footage, showing that Womack had accidentally bumped into Richburg while bending down to pick up a dropped bottle.
Prosecutors argued that Richburg became upset because Womack had not apologized or said “excuse me,” prompting an escalation that ultimately led to the shooting.
Security footage also captured Richburg making a chilling statement to Womack before the shooting: “I’m not going to let you live.” Prosecutors emphasized this as evidence that Richburg had premeditated the attack and was not acting in self-defense.
The Aftermath and Legal Consequences
Richburg’s actions left a community in shock, as a minor disagreement turned into a fatal confrontation. The fact that Richburg shot Womack over something as trivial as not receiving an apology for a bump on a bus underscores the severity of his emotional response to a relatively minor incident.
Richburg, who had a criminal history including previous felony convictions for robbery and firearms possession, was apprehended later that same month while riding another MTA bus. He was taken into custody without incident and processed at Baltimore’s Central Booking and Intake Center.
Richburg is currently awaiting his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for November 10, 2024. Given the circumstances of the crime and his criminal history, Richburg could face significant prison time, potentially for the rest of his life.
A Tragic Loss Over a Minor Dispute
The tragic death of William Womack serves as a stark reminder of how even small, seemingly inconsequential interactions can escalate into fatal violence.
The shooting, which stemmed from a minor disagreement on a bus, highlights the dangers of unchecked anger and the consequences of carrying firearms in public spaces.
As Richburg prepares for his sentencing, the case stands as a sobering reflection on the dangers of overreacting to provocation and the fatal consequences that can result from a moment of uncontrolled rage.
