Marilyn Mosby is an American politician and attorney who held the position of State’s Attorney for Baltimore from 2015 until 2023, during which she became widely recognized for her involvement in the aftermath of Freddie Gray’s death in 2015. Her inquiry into the officers involved in Gray’s arrest garnered national attention.
On February 6, 2024, Marilyn Mosby, was convicted of federal mortgage fraud charges.
Explore Marilyn Mosby’s family background to gain insight into her upbringing and personal history, including details about her parents.
Marilyn Mosby Parents: Meet Alan C. James and Linda Thompson
Marilyn Mosby was born on January 22, 1980, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, to Alan C. James and Linda Thompson. Mosby grew up in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, under the care of her grandparents. Her mother, Linda Thompson, gave birth to Mosby at the age of 17.
Both of Mosby’s parents pursued careers in law enforcement, continuing a family tradition that stretched back two generations, with her grandfather being among the first African-American police officers in the state.
Despite residing an hour away from her home, Mosby attended Dover-Sherborn High School as a participant in METCO, the country’s oldest ongoing school desegregation initiative. During her time there, she was actively involved in student leadership, serving in the Student Government Association and co-editing the school newspaper.
Mosby’s aspiration to become a lawyer was ignited by a personal tragedy when her 17-year-old cousin was fatally shot outside her home, mistakenly targeted as a drug dealer. This incident deeply influenced her career path.
In 2000, at the age of 20 and while studying at Tuskegee University, Mosby appeared on the television show “Judge Judy” as a plaintiff, suing a roommate for property damage incurred during summer break.
She emerged victorious in the arbitration, receiving a $1,700 award. Mosby graduated magna cum laude from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Arts degree before earning her Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 2005.