In a recent plea hearing overseen by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill, convicted attempted murderer Andrew Blake renewed his bid for a retrial, citing newly uncovered evidence and serious questions about the credibility of a forensic examiner critical to his original trial. Blake, convicted in 1990, argued that the firearms examiner who testified then was later exposed for forging supervisor signatures, committing procedural fraud, and misrepresenting expert findings. The examiner died by suicide after these revelations, intensifying scrutiny of the case.Blake was initially charged with attempted second-degree murder, assault, and two handgun violations in connection to the shooting.Defense counsel emphasized that forensic science has evolved significantly since Blake’s conviction and that a fresh review might alter the narrative. They also raised the possibility Blake was shot first, an assertion never properly explored under the flawed testimony. In Blake’s original trial, his sister was the only eyewitness, and the defense contends the expert testimony was unduly aligned with the state’s position.Prosecutors countered that Blake has never denied his presence at the crime scene or that he discharged a firearm, pointing to other evidence beyond the forensic testimony. The state also requested access to archival Maryland court records to retrieve old trial transcripts and testimony. During the hearing, Judge Fletcher-Hill questioned whether new forensic analysis could meaningfully change outcomes given the jury had already weighed Blake’s admitted involvement. Still, Judge Fletcher-Hill reserved ruling and will deliberate privately on whether to grant a retrial.
