A Park Heights murder trial continued June 26 before Judge Charles H. Dorsey III, with testimony from multiple prosecution witnesses.
Darius Bell, 33, and Joseph Hubbard, 35, are charged with first-degree murder and multiple firearm offenses in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Christopher Banks, which occurred March 15, 2025 on the 5400 block of Park Heights Avenue.
During opening arguments, defense attorneys Jason Ott and Donald Wright claimed Banks harassed and threatened to rob several individuals in a convenience store, including the two defendants. Defense counsel also highlighted Banks’ criminal past.
The prosecution claimed the defense was attempting to undermine the victim’s reputation in their previous statements.
The prosecutor presented surveillance footage from the convenience store that reportedly showed Banks behaving calmly.
Key prosecution evidence included the clothing Banks allegedly wore at the time of the incident—including a puffer jacket with a gunshot hole inside that reportedly contained Banks’ blood inside, as well as surveillance video showing Bell and Hubbard allegedly shooting Banks, though the footage showed no struggle over the gun.
Investigators also recovered a towel they believe Bell used to conceal the murder weapon prior to the shooting.
The trial is scheduled to continue during the week.
