As jurors heard opening statements and testimony in a Pigtown shooting case on March 10, the state described a history of disagreements between the defendant, 56-year Craig Williams, and the victim, his brother-in-law.
The trial, which took place before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence R. Daniels, also saw testimony from the victim’s fiancée. The couple’s history with Williams reportedly dates back over a decade.
Williams, 56, is charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm use and three more gun offenses in connection to the shooting, which reportedly unfolded the evening of Nov. 25, 2024 at their shared home on the 1100 block of Scott Street.
The victim testified that he had jointly resided in the home with his brother and Williams for about two years when the shooting occurred. He married Williams’ sister, but their relationship was marked by repeated disagreements, he told jurors.
The victim testified that friends and family often visited the house, and that his then fiancée was among the regular visitors. Guests usually hung out in the living room or basement, he said. Williams’ bedroom was located on the home’s second floor.
The day of the shooting, the victim said he was standing at the top of the staircase on the second floor when Williams saw him and accused him of entering his bedroom.
He recalled Williams saying, “Motherf*cker, you’ve been in my room again.”
After the victim denied the accusation, Williams reportedly replied, “I’m tired of this sh*t,” and allegedly shot the victim in his left shoulder and rear. On the stand, the victim told jurors that Williams had also accused him of entering his bedroom during a disagreement three weeks prior.
Upon hearing the gunshots, the victim’s fiancée said she called 911. However, defense attorney Michael J. Tomko questioned her credibility, noting she initially told 911 operators she did not know who was the shooter.
Tomko also noted the victim seemed unable to recall on the stand whether he saw Williams holding or firing a gun, and could only recall hearing gunshot noises. He claimed the prosecution failed to prove Williams was in possession of a gun that evening, and asked if the victim was offered benefits to cooperate with investigators.
According to charging documents, police responders found the victim in the basement suffering from multiple critical gunshot wounds. On the basement steps, investigators recovered two rifle casings, a bloody shirt and additional blood evidence.
The trial proceedings are scheduled to continue March 11.
