16 Year Old Charged with Attempted Murder After Botched Drug Deal

By Andrew Michaels - August 26, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Juveniles | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Victims |

A 16-year-old teenager who allegedly shot a female twice during a drug deal was denied bail on Aug. 26 during Baltimore City Circuit Court bail review.

During Thursday’s proceedings, the juvenile’s defense attorney told Judge John S. Nugent that her client and another person were in a vehicle with the female victim, allegedly completing a transaction of marijuana. The defendant then fired two gunshots, striking the victim in the head and abdomen.

The defendant is facing charges of attempted murder and use of a firearm in a violent crime.

The incident may have been an accident, the defense attorney said, noting that the victim was treated for serious injuries and is recovering.

However, the prosecution said evidence from the scene indicates the shooting was not an accident. When the defendant was arrested about three weeks after the incident, she said, police found a loaded gun on him, which matched the description of the gun used in the shooting.

Experts are currently determining whether the gun found in the defendant’s possession during his arrest was the same gun that was fired.

When the victim spoke with police, the prosecutor said, she told them the other person in the vehicle with the defendant said, “Just do it,” right before shots were fired.

The defendant was later identified via social media and a photo array.

Based on the information presented Thursday, Judge Nugent said the defendant will continue to be held without bail.