Opening statements were presented in the homicide trial of Donald Graham, 55, on Oct. 19, in Baltimore City Circuit Court before Judge Jeannie Hong.
The defendant is charged with first-degree murder and the use of a deadly weapon with intent to injury for an incident which occurred on Sept. 25, 2025 on the 2200 Block of Sidney Avenue.
The victim, Michael Schuler, 33, was stabbed 12 times after an altercation broke out between the victim and the defendant outside of the abandoned home where the defendant and his girlfriend were residing.
In his opening , defense counsel Gregory John Fischer, argued that according to his client, he and his girlfriend were approached by the victim, who started a conversation with the defendant’s girlfriend.
He allegedly asked her, “Is Donald beating on you?” which made the defendant upset, and who allegedly responded that he was “never supposed to talk to a man’s woman without permission.”
After the victim allegedly apologized to the defendant, he asked the defendant for cocaine. When the defendant and his girlfriend refused, the victim allegedly came around from behind and began to “wallop” Graham on the back of the head.
According to the statement of charges, the defendant spoke to a witness who was later interviewed by police and allegedly told them that Graham stabbed the victim multiple times, and that he had left the knife at the scene. When interviewed by police Graham allegedly admitted to getting into a physical altercation with the victim, and stated that he had stabbed him multiple times.
Police were able to recover the knife supposedly used during the incident and the clothing worn by the defendant.
In opening statements, the prosecution pointed out that the victim’s wallet and work ID were reportedly found in the bedroom where the defendant was staying.
According to defense counsel, the defendant was adamant in his police interview that he “did not take any wallet,” and that DNA analysis on the wallet would show that his client did not touch it.
Members of the victim’s family were in court, but had to leave when the medical examiner presented graphic images of Schuler’s injuries.
Testimony is expected to continue on Oct 21.
