Jury selection began in the first-degree murder trial of Jamaal Smith before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Cynthia H. Jones on Aug. 13.
Smith, represented by defense attorney Roya M. Hanna, is charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, two counts of handgun possession in a vehicle, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to charging documents, Smith is accused of fatally shooting Dante Gladney shortly before midnight on Dec. 3, 2025, in the parking lot of a Dollar Tree store on the 5900 block of Belair Road. Gladney was pronounced dead at Bayview Hospital shortly after midnight.
Prosecutors allege Smith exited a silver Toyota Solara, approached Gladney, and fired multiple shots as Gladney attempted to flee. Investigators recovered two .380-caliber shell casings at the scene.
Surveillance footage allegedly captured the shooting and showed the driver wearing an Orioles hat and dark hoodie. Additional footage reportedly showed the suspect’s face and the same clothing approximately 20 minutes before the shooting.
Investigators also reviewed license plate reader footage that allegedly captured the vehicle near Belair Road and Franklin Avenue before the shooting. The Virginia tag associated with the vehicle was registered to a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis linked to Smith, according to charging documents.
Before jury selection, prosecutors offered Smith a plea agreement for murder and firearms violations, but the terms were not specified and he declined the plea.
Jury selection began Thursday, and the trial is expected to last approximately four days.
