The trial for Tirrell Evans, 41, who stands accused of murdering his former “best friend,” Richard Evans (no relation), 41, began on Oct. 19 before Judge Paul Cucuzzella in Baltimore County Circuit Court.
According to the prosecutor’s opening statement, the defendant and the victim were former “best friends” who grew up together, but “that all changed” on Sept. 11, 2024 when the defendant allegedly shot the victim in the back multiple times.
Evans, the defendant, stands accused of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, firearm use in the commission of a violent crime, and firearm possession with a prior felony conviction.
According to the prosecutor, Baltimore ShotSpotter picked up 15 shots fired on Sept 11, 2024 near the 1300 Block of Calhoun Street. An off-duty police officer also called in that two individuals were seen heading away from the shots and towards a silver Jeep, which quickly fled the scene.
The victim was taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center, where his mother was working, in an unsuccessful attempt to render aid. He would be pronounced dead that night.
According to the prosecutor, before his role in the victim’s homicide was suspected, the victim’s family noted that it was “weird” that the defendant did not appear at the victim’s funeral, given their history.
The police allegedly confirmed via license plate reader that the silver Jeep found at the scene was linked to a business owned by the defendant. The Jeep was found over a year after the initial incident with a changed license plate, and extra plates in the back. Among them were the plate number allegedly found on the car by the license plate reader on the night of the homicide.
Defense counsel Marc Zayon focused on limitations in the prosecution’s case during his opening remarks. He noted that there were no eyewitnesses in this case that could link his client to the murder, the vehicle, or the cellphone he allegedly used that night. He noted that there was no weapon recovered, nor forensic or scientific evidence brought forth by the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). Finally, he noted that there would be no motive for the murder presented by the prosecution.
Testimony is expected to begin on Oct. 20.
