Alexis Cancel-Soto Sentenced to 30 Years in Cameran Holt Murder Case
Updated: March 19, 2026
Alexis Cancel-Soto, 21, has been sentenced to life in prison with all but 30 years suspended for the murder of 19-year-traditional Cameran Holt, who was fatally shot in Federal Hill, Baltimore, on October 27, 2024. The sentencing took place on March 19, 2026, at the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse, as reported by Prism News and Baltimore Witness.
Details of the Shooting and Trial
Holt was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a shootout on West Hamburg Street while celebrating a family member’s gender reveal, according to CBS News. She died two weeks later from a gunshot wound to the back of her neck. The bullet pierced the back windshield of her car while she was sitting with her sister and cousin.
Cancel-Soto was found guilty in September 2025 of first-degree murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, reckless endangerment, and multiple firearm charges, as stated by CBS News. He had initially pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial lasted five days, followed by two days of jury deliberations, totaling nearly ten hours, according to WBALTV.
Prosecutors, led by State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, had requested a life sentence plus 30 years. The jury determined that Cancel-Soto was responsible for Holt’s death due to the fact that he willingly participated in a gun battle. He also was found guilty of attempted murder for injuring another individual who was the intended target of the shooting.
Impact on the Victim’s Family
During the sentencing, members of Holt’s family delivered emotional impact statements. Holt’s aunt expressed hope that Cancel-Soto would use his time in prison for self-improvement, while her grandfather stated he could not forgive him for the loss. Holt’s mother described the past year as “brutal” and lamented that her younger children would grow up without their older sister, as reported by Baltimore Witness.
Holt’s mother also stated she would attend the trials of Cancel-Soto’s two co-defendants, which are scheduled to begin at the end of October.
Defendant’s Background and Defense
Cancel-Soto, originally from Puerto Rico, reportedly experienced a traumatic childhood after moving to the United States under his grandparents’ care following his mother’s arrest and eight-year prison sentence. His defense attorney, Marci T. Johnson, highlighted his tumultuous upbringing and struggles with ADHD, requesting a suspended portion of the life sentence, as detailed by Baltimore Witness. Cancel-Soto testified that he acted in self-defense, but the jury did not accept this claim.
According to WBALTV, the victim’s mother expressed appreciation for Cancel-Soto’s acknowledgement of his wrongdoing during his testimony.
Remaining Cases
Two other defendants involved in the shooting are still awaiting trial. Devontaye Richardson was found guilty of reckless endangerment but acquitted of murder and attempted murder, according to CBS News.