Trial Begins in Gatorade Bottle Murder

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Opening statements were delivered in Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kimberly C. McBride’s courtroom on Aug. 6 for murder defendant James Richburg, 62.

Richburg is facing charges of first-degree murder, firearm use in a crime of violence and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction in connection to the death of William Womack, 30.

The incident occurred on Nov. 30, 2024, on a Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus near the intersection of S. Eutaw and Redwood Streets.

According to the prosecution, Richburg and Womack engaged in a verbal argument after Womack dropped his Gatorade bottle, which rolled under Richburg’s feet. Richburg allegedly demanded that Womack say, “Excuse me,” when retrieving the bottle, aggravating Womack.

The argument then turned violent and Womack was shot once in the chest. He staggered off the bus and collapsed on the curb, where he was found by Baltimore Police officers. Womack was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead upon arrival.

Defense attorney Avrohom Greenfield told the court the incident was a case of self defense and perspective. He asserted on behalf of his client that Womack and Richburg were discussing criminal activity on the bus and that Womack reached into his back pocket at one point.

Investigators retrieved video and audio footage from the bus that is expected to be shown during the testimony portion of the trial.