Opening statements before Judge Catherine Chen July 14 presented contrasting views about the charges facing a non-fatal shooting defendant.
Nathanial Greene, 43, is charged with 11 counts, including attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and several other firearm-related offense for a shooting that occurred on the 1400 block of North Gay Street, on Aug. 15, 2025.
Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers found the victim shot in the upper left chest. After receiving treatment, he said he was on Oliver Street and Montford Street when he was shot. The victim had knocked on a door at Gay Street for help.
The prosecution described the incident emphasizing the jury will hear circumstantial evidence about the crime which carries the same weight as any other information presented in the case.
The prosecution stated that the victim was carrying a bat, and a verbal argument that started between Greene and the victim became physical. However, the victim was the one to walk away from the incident and Greene followed him and another witness, and shot at them, according to the prosecutor.
Greene, according to the prosecution, also told officers that he had a gun even though he legally is not allowed to, shot the victim, and threw the gun in the sewer. Greene also allegedly identified himself in footage of the incident itself.
Defense Attorney Mary Lloyd Patton responded by reminding the jury that people are presumed innocent, and the jury gets to decide what they believe what happened.
The prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, not the defense, she said. Lloyd Patton said that if jurors still had any “what if” questions by the end of the trial, that state did not prove unreasonable doubt.
Testimonies are scheduled to continue on July 15.
