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By
Carmen Gregg
- February 7, 2025
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Jury selection began on a note of controversy in a first-degree murder trial on Feb. 7.
Davonte Hamlett, 21, is on trial for the murder of Sherman Anderson, 25 on May 5, 2024. Hamlett has been charged with first-degree murder, two counts of firearm use in a felony or violent crime, attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, firearm possession in a crime of violence with a felony conviction, and having a loaded handgun on his person and in his vehicle.
Before jury selection, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer allowed defense attorney Gregory J. Fischer and the prosecution to state any objections to questions that have been submitted for the voir dire questionnaire.
Fischer complained about the prosecution’s intention to ask jurors if they feel safe sitting on the jury panel, reasoning that the question would “poison” the defendant and potentially lead jurors to assume that Hamlett is dangerous.
Judge Schiffer overruled objections about the questionnaire, explaining that both counsels will have the opportunity to expand upon questions during the voir dire selection process.
Fischer also expressed suspicions that a detective witness monitored Hamlett and his associates before the incident. However, detectives had reportedly been “doing preventative policing, monitoring certain areas – not investigating Hamlett for criminal activity.”
Judge Schiffer called the detective’s role in this case “dangerous waters.”
The trial is scheduled through Feb. 14.