A jury found Bryant Whitaker, 30, guilty of first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime and illegal possession of a regulated firearm before Baltimore City Circuit Judge Paul Cucuzzella on Aug. 4.
Whitaker was initially charged with first- and second- degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime and illegal possession of ammunition after shooting Markell Wall, 26, on the 1200 block of Darley Avenue. There was no verdict delivered for his second-degree murder charge.
According to charging documents, on July 21, 2018 officers located Wall suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the driver seat of a parked Ford F-150 pickup truck at the scene.
CCTV footage captured a suspect wearing dark clothing and light shoes. Wall was seen exiting the Ford and conversing with the individual, then the suspect produced a firearm and shot at Wall. Both the victim and suspect fled after the initial discharge. As Wall attempted to leave in the truck, the suspect returned from around the corner, opened the driver side door and shot at the victim again before fleeing.
The case had been moved from mental health court after Whitaker was deemed competent to stand trial, meaning he understood the charges and could help his lawyer.
However, during his trial, Whitaker had been warned by Judge Cucuzzella to control his unruly behavior. He repeatedly spoke over the judge, muttered, and mocked witnesses. After the warning, Whitaker became more compliant.
Before closing arguments were delivered, Whitaker’s defense attorney William Porter requested to withdraw from the case after heated arguments with the defendant about how to handle his case. The request was denied.
Whitaker’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 4.
