A Baltimore woman’s manslaughter case was dismissed Sept. 8 due to the prosecutor’s apparent failure to disclose “critical evidence.”
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Paul J. Cucuzzella made the decision following discussions of a motion to strike expert testimony about a vehicle involved in the Nov. 1, 2021 incident, during which defendant Antoinette Harris, 24, was accused of hitting two pedestrians while driving on the 1400 block of Fleet Street.
One of the victims, 38-year-old Trayon McKnight, was pronounced deceased at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he was transported by first responders for treatment.
Harris originally faced six charges alongside the manslaughter violation, including driving under the influence and in an uninsured vehicle. However, the judge also took issue with Baltimore Police Department’s investigation of the case
Investigators believe Harris was driving over the speed limit in a 25 mph zone, with an expired learner’s permit and a blood alcohol concentration of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit.
“Everything about this case is guesswork,” said defense attorney Jon Gordon during the hearing.
Following the dismissal of Harris’ case, Gordon was seen speaking with Harris’ family outside the courthouse, celebrating her return home.
