Jury selection began Feb. 12 in the trial of Daaon Spears, a 19-year-old charged in a mass shooting that took place more than three years ago in Southwest Baltimore.
Spears faces 31 charges in connection to the shooting, which left two individuals dead and four more injured at a Popeye’s restaurant located in the Edmondson Village Shopping Center. In connection to the incident, which took place on Jan. 4, 2023, Spears has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, six counts of attempted first-degree murder, multiple conspiracy charges and nine gun violations, including firearm possession as a minor.
His co-defendant, 19-year-old Bryan Johnson, faces 30 charges.
At approximately 11:18 a.m. the day of the incident, officers responded to the 4400 block of Edmondson Avenue, where five victims were found suffering from gunshot wounds. Deanta Dorsey, 16, sustained 16 gunshot wounds and was unresponsive when law enforcement arrived. He was pronounced deceased at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. The remaining four victims, who included two 17-year-olds and two 18-year-olds, survived.
Investigators obtained video footage that appeared to show Spears and Johnson opening fire at the victims before fleeing the scene.
Upon Spears’ arrest, officers obtained a search warrant for his home, where they reportedly recovered a 9mm handgun and clothing that matched those of one of the suspects.
Jury selection is currently ongoing. The trial is set to continue before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lynn Stewart Mays with testimony on Feb. 17.
