Closings Paint Different Pictures in Murder Trial

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The jury heard contradictory closing statements May 30 in the murder trial of Cahari Ferguson before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John A. Howard.

Ferguson, 22, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the repeated stabbing of Sean Neal Malik Brown, 21. Brown’s body was found in the 2700 block of N. Longwood Street near Hanlon Park on May 21, 2023.

The prosecution emphasized that Ferguson tried to hide his alleged role in the murder by not keeping in touch with detectives. Conversely, co-defendant Tyrell White, 21, cooperated with police and provided information regarding the crime. White is expected to plead guilty to being an accessory to the murder in late June.

The prosecution relied heavily on Ferguson’s cellphone location data — which placed him at crucial locations during the incident — to prove his involvement in the murder.

However, defense attorney Jeremy Eldridge argued the prosecution greatly misunderstood their own evidence, claiming Ferguson had no motive to kill Brown, whereas White did. Brown allegedly owed White money, and Brown’s pockets were found turned inside out when his body was recovered.

Eldridge also claimed the prosecution mishandled and failed to collect additional critical evidence in particular Ferguson’s cellphone location data which was insufficient to implicate him.

The prosecution countered that motive is irrelevant in proving Ferguson’s guilt, and urged the jury to focus on the evidence.

“A lot of this case is circumstantial,” the prosecutor said. “Rely upon it as you rely on it every day of your life”.

The jury is currently deliberating.