A man was found guilty earlier this week of second-degree murder for pushing another person onto the subway tracks in Baltimore, causing him to touch the third rail and die by electrocution.

Baltimore Circuit Judge Cynthia H. Jones on Wednesday ordered Joseph White III, 41, of West Baltimore, to serve 40 years in prison, the maximum sentence.

On April 12, 2023, White twice pushed Christopher Foster and caused him to fall onto the tracks at the Baltimore Metro SubwayLink Shot Tower Station, Baltimore Police reported.

First responders pronounced Foster dead at the scene. He was 28.

White testified that he feared for his life and did not remember pushing Foster a second time. Surveillance video captured the confrontation.

Andy Jaskulsky, White’s attorney, described the case as an all-around tragedy.

“Certainly, we were disappointed in the jury’s verdict. But I think that they listened intently, and we had a really good representation of the residents in Baltimore City,” Jaskulsky said. “They paid attention, and they were very respectful. And we respect their decision.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Victoria Yeager prosecuted the case.

In a statement, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said that a “horrific and shocking act demands the absolute severest consequences.”

“In a callous act of violence, the defendant pushed the victim not once, but twice, ensuring that he tragically fell from the subway station platform to his death,” Bates said. “It is unfathomable to consider the anguish of a family awaiting a loved one who will never return due to such senseless brutality.”

Bates said his heart goes out to family members “as they navigate this profound and unbearable loss.”