A Baltimore City Circuit Court jury returned mixed verdicts Feb 3. in a case stemming from a shootout that occurred over a year ago on the 3500 block of W. Caton Avenue.
An alleged confrontation between co-defendants Shyheem Thompson, 24, and Marcus Lilly, 43, left an innocent bystander injured and has drawn significant attention from law enforcement and the community.
According to court documents, Thompson and Lilly were seen circling the neighborhood looking for each other before opening fire on sight. Both men were reportedly attempting to kill one another, and their actions put bystanders at serious risk.
Thompson was found not guilty on multiple counts of attempted first- and second-degree murder, but was convicted on three counts of first-degree assault. He was also found guilty of five firearm-related charges, including use of a firearm during a felony violent crime and having a loaded handgun on his person. Thompson’s sentencing is set to proceed on June 8 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Alan C. Lazerow.
Meanwhile, jurors could not reach a unanimous agreement on the charges against Lilly, resulting in a mistrial. He is now scheduled to be retried on May 26 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill.
Evidence presented at trial included surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony and cellphone records. Officers responding to 911 calls in the Southwest Baltimore neighborhood arrived around 5:18 p.m., just minutes after the shooting.
The victim had been helping his cousin move appliances when he became caught in the crossfire, sustaining injuries to his rear and foot. Court testimony revealed Thompson fired first after seeing that Lilly was armed with a gun. The convicted shooter was seen taking cover behind a van, while Lilly returned fire. The state argued that both men created the deadly situation and could not claim self-defense.
A warrant for the suspects was issued on Feb. 5, 2025. Lilly was arrested eight days later, while Thompson remained on the run until March 5, 2025.
