Judge Declares Mistrial On Murder Charges Against Canton Bartender's Alleged Killer

A Baltimore County Circuit Court judge declared a mistrial Thursday on eight counts, including first-degree murder, in the case of a man prosecutors said shot and killed a Canton bartender in a 2017 robbery.

The jury convicted Malik Mungo on eight counts of drug and handgun violations, all of which he admitted to in his own testimony, and all three burglary counts against him. Jurors were in their fourth day of deliberation. A mistrial was declared on first- and second-degree murder, robbery and gang charges.

Mungo is accused in the killing of Sebastian Dvorak as Dvorak walked home from work on Boston Street. Though the shooting took place in Baltimore City, the attorney general's office alleged it was part of a broader pattern of gang-related conduct that stretched into Baltimore County, so the charges were filed there.

The state argued Mungo pulled the trigger, pointing to four witnesses who testified to it, surveillance video that put him there and allegations that he has repeatedly lied to law enforcement.

Taking the stand in his own defense, Mungo claimed a man named "Goon" fired the fatal shots despite Mungo trying to talk him out of it. While on the stand, Mungo also admitted to selling drugs and being in possession of a handgun but said he took it and gave it to someone else to get rid of it. Mungo also admitted to being at the scene, but denied being the killer.

Sentencing in the case has not yet been set. Prosecutors said they plan to retry Mungo on the eight charges on which jurors couldn't agree. However, Judge Nancy Purpura said there is no room on her calendar until at least next March.

Dvorak's father, David Dvorak, thanked the jury, detectives and prosecutors, even as he said the family was disappointed with the outcome.

"Ultimately we know justice will be served in this case, and my hope, ultimately, is in God," he said. "That's my ultimate hope in all of this, and we can't build a society of hope and love without justice."

Defense attorney Mark Van Bavel said he anticipated the split verdict and said his client was not relieved since the "major charges are unresolved."

BREAKING: Malik Mungo found guilty on 8 counts: all relating to drugs and handgun violations, all which he admitted to in his own testimony at trial — Kate Amara (@kateamaraWBAL) June 20, 2019

Judge said when the jury told her on Wednesday they could not reach a verdict on 8 of the 19 counts, ‘frankly they all looked exhausted.’ @wbalradio — Phil Yacuboski (@WBALPhil) June 20, 2019

“There’s no relief because the major charges are unresolved.” Mistrial declared on more serious charges of murder, robbery and gang activity. Mark Van Bavel is Mungo’s attorney @wbalradio pic.twitter.com/HQ7GIgh728 — Phil Yacuboski (@WBALPhil) June 20, 2019

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Phil Yacuboski and WBAL-TV 11's Kate Amara contributed to this report.