Prosecution Says Shooting Wasn't, 'Willy-Nilly'

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Counsel debated witness testimony on the second day of a drive-by shooting trial before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kimberly C. McBride on April 15.

Marquita Echols, 39, faces two counts each of attempted first- and second-degree murder and first-degree assault, as well as several firearm-related charges, for allegedly opening fire at two employees at a shelter in a former Sleep Inn & Suites on Sept. 7, 2024.

The shooting came several days after her eviction from the shelter, which is located in the 300 block of Fallsway. Staff noted Echols allegedly made multiple threats about returning and “shooting up the place.”

Shelter staff did not notify police about the threats. On Sept. 7, the victims were in front of the building when a dark vehicle approached. The driver rolled down a tinted window and fired multiple shots. No injuries were sustained.

“This case was a targeted shooting,” said the prosecution. “This wasn’t willy-nilly, it was targeted violence with a firearm.”

One of the victims, a staff supervisor at the shelter, testified at the hearing and identified Echols from among those in the courtroom. Defense attorney Michael S. Clinkscale noted the victim, who wears corrective lenses, was not wearing his glasses at the time of the incident, and questioned whether his identification of Echols was accurate. The victim also said he did not see a gun.

“I didn’t see a gun, I saw bullets flying,” he said. “I’m being shot at – I don’t look to see where bullets are flying. I’ve learned to just run. “

While fleeing from the gunfire, he allegedly recognized Echols as a prior resident, by her wig and physical features.

The other victim testified he did not see the shooter’s face because the other victim pushed him out of the line of fire and onto the ground. However, he heard shots and saw muzzle flashes coming from a gun in the vehicle’s passenger window. He noted the shots seemed erratic coming in multiple directions.

When Clinkscale asked if the second witness could verify the first witness’ account, he laughed and said the shooter’s window was already rolled up by the time he fell on the ground.
“No, sir, I don’t control his eyes,” he said.

The trial continues April 16.

Prosecution Says Shooting Wasn’t, ‘Willy-Nilly’