Man on Trial for Attempted Homicide Instead of Other Possible Suspect

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Jytarious Evans‘ shooting trial began June 4 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Martin P. Welch. Evans, 35, is facing charges of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and a number of firearm violations.

Public defender Matthew Connell opened by stating that the heart of the case lies in whether the jury finds Evans guilty of the crime, as opposed to the other persons of interest.

On Aug. 17, 2023, around 9:57 a.m., a shooting victim walked into University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center with an wound to his shoulder and hand.

Police collected surveillance footage from cameras in the area that showed two vehicles, which were later recovered and tested for DNA and fingerprints. Connell made a point to let the jury know that no DNA or fingerprints were found that connected Evans to the vehicle.

The prosecutor claimed that Evans is identifiable in the video despite the defense’s position that the footage is unclear. No visible tattoos could be seen in the footage, and Evans has several on his face and hands.

The defense ended their opening arguments by revealing that investigators recovered DNA and fingerprint evidence from the scene that matched the case’s initial suspect, but none that matched Evans. During police questioning, the initial suspect reportedly denied his involvement and named Evans as responsible, leading investigators to suspect and book Evans for trial.