A man already serving a life sentence admitted in court that he killed his cellmate inside a Maryland prison earlier this year.
What’s Happening: Wallace Dudley Ball, of Randallstown, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for the February 2025 death of his cellmate at Jessup Correctional Institute.
- The victim was 61-year-old Warren Michael Griffin.
- A sentencing date will be set later.
What’s Important: Ball is already serving a life plus 30-year sentence for a 1994 murder. This guilty plea adds another murder conviction tied to a killing that happened behind prison walls.
The Timeline: On Feb. 21, 2025, just before 7 p.m., correctional officers doing routine checks found Griffin dead on the floor of a cell in Building F at Jessup Correctional Institute.
What Investigators Found: Investigators said Griffin had a cord wrapped around his neck and blood staining was visible on the cell floor. Ball, who shared the cell, was taken into custody.
The Confession: In a written statement, Ball admitted to the killing, writing, “While in the cell with Warren Griffin, I punched him in the face then tied a string around his neck until he was dead. Wallace Ball”. Investigators said handwriting analysis showed the statement matched Ball’s previous writing.
The Investigation: Authorities said Ball had what appeared to be blood staining on his shoes, pants, and hands. Forensic technicians swabbed his hands, collected DNA samples and clothing, and took photographs. Investigators also interviewed staff and gathered physical evidence.
The Case: Assistant State’s Attorney Shane Nolan represented the State. The investigation was handled by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Intelligence and Investigative Division.
Discover more from The Free State Press
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.