Graphic Murder Images Evoke Courtroom Emotions

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The jury saw graphic images of a murder but heard different versions of events in the homicide trial of Montay Brown on Aug. 1.

Brown, 19, is charged with the homicide of 33-year-old Garfield Redd and other gun-related violations. Redd was shot in the eye with a sawed off shotgun at close range, and was found dead in his car on the unit block of E. 21st Street in Baltimore.

The prosecution opened by stating that “one harrowing shot” killed a father and son, and ripped an individual from their family. Pictures of Redd’s dead body and a closeup image of the gunshot wound he sustained to his head evoked both visceral reactions from the jury and continuous tears from Redd’s family, some of whom removed themselves from the courtroom.

Others covered their eyes or looked down when the prosecution presented graphic photos and video footage of the shooting.

The prosecution also argued that the vicious crime was completely premeditated, emphasizing the testimony of a witness present at the time of the murder, and claimed Brown and Redd had history.

In the two weeks leading up to the murder, Redd allegedly robbed Brown, leading Brown to allegedly tell multiple people he planned to kill Redd. He is suspected to have used a sawed off shotgun that he concealed in a book bag. The prosecution also suggested the shooting could have been motivated by the fact that Brown and Redd sold drugs at rival locations one street away from each other.

However, defense attorney Alex Leikus argued the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence to prove Brown’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, due to a lack of credible witnesses. According to Leikus, the prosecution’s key witness is a former drug user, and told officers following his interview that he mainly agreed to testify hoping to receive benefits for his cooperation. He also noted the officers who identified Brown were not stationed in the area of the shooting.

The jury is deliberating.