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By
Wesley Dixon
- September 8, 2025
Attempted Murder
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Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Nearly two years after he was initially charged, 22-year-old defendant Zahlir Gantt will walk free after Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Timothy J. Doory deemed the state’s evidence against him insufficient in a Sept. 4 hearing.
The decision follows weeks of testimony and legal arguments that highlighted the challenges of proving Gantt’s allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Gantt was acquitted on 18 charges, including attempted murder, first-degree assault, firearm use in a felony crime of violence, reckless endangerment, and related gun violations.
During the trial, prosecutors argued Gantt intentionally fired shots at the victim, pointing to surveillance footage from near the crime scene on the 2300 block of E. Northern Parkway that allegedly captured flashes of light consistent with gunfire. Shell casings consistent with bullets used in the shooting were also presented to jurors.
Defense attorney Brad Macfee claimed the prosecution’s case was built on speculation rather than solid evidence, arguing video evidence was too blurry to discern clear muzzle flashes. He also noted inconsistencies in the locations of the shell casings and highlighted a lack of forensic evidence, ballistics expertise, or eyewitness testimony that could link Gantt to the shooting.
The prosecution maintained that the circumstantial evidence showed premeditation on Gantt’s part. Macfee pressed the point that there was reasonable doubt in every aspect of this case. Judge Doory agreed with Macfee’s assessment, finding that the evidence fell short of the legal threshold for conviction.
In dismissing the case, Judge Doory noted that the prosecution’s inability to link Gantt to the weapon, shell casings, or gunfire left far too many unanswered questions to let the trial continue.
No further hearings are scheduled in this case.