Jurors in the trial of 36-year-old Bryan Cherry viewed graphic photographic evidence on April 15 as testimony continued before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kimberly C. McBride.
The state summoned multiple witnesses against Cherry in what marks the defendant’s second trial after the court declared a mistrial in November 2025.
Cherry, who recently took a plea in the July 2024 double murder of a mother and daughter in Middle River, Maryland, is now charged with using a dangerous weapon to murder 38-year-old Sierra Johnson on July 14, 2024. An anonymous 911 call alerted investigators to a residence on the 800 block of Abbott Court, where officers found Johnson unresponsive and partially undressed on a couch with severe blunt force trauma to her head.
A medical examiner testified about the extent of Johnson’s injuries and presented autopsy photographs to the jury. The examiner described multiple lacerations and abrasions across Johnson’s head and face, the right side of which appeared to have been crushed inward. Some of Johnson’s wounds showed patterned edges, and most were consistent with blunt force trauma. Investigators later identified a yellow crowbar as the possible murder weapon.
Following the autopsy, Johnson’s cause of death was determined to be severe, rapidly fatal brain and eye injuries caused by blunt force. Though traces of fentanyl were also detected in Johnson’s system, the medical examiner testified that the drug did not contribute to the victim’s death.
During cross-examination, the defense questioned the state’s handling of evidence, including the extent to which investigators tested certain clothing items for traces of DNA. A witness confirmed that while officers collected several swabs, no further investigation was conducted into Johnson’s sweatpants or undergarments. Officers found Johnson with her pants pulled halfway down her legs.
Jurors were also shown images from within the Abbott Court residence that captured blood spattering on the walls and a window. Additional photographs were presented of physical evidence recovered from the home, including a backpack containing clothing and the yellow crowbar that was identified as the murder weapon.
Shoes believed to have blood on them were packaged individually as evidence. A serologist later confirmed on the stand that while no blood was detected on the backpack, investigators discovered skin cells on the tongue and back of the bloodied shoes.
A bottle of bleach was also observed on the floor near a kitchen window through which a witness told officers they saw Cherry escape.
Investigators did not process the front door for fingerprints despite signs of forced entry, a crime lab technician told jurors. The technician clarified it was responding officers who forced entry into the home after receiving the 911 call.
As the state continued to present graphic photographs, a member of Johnson’s family became visibly distressed and exited the courtroom.
The trial is set to conclude on April 16 with additional testimony and closing arguments before Judge McBride.
