A traffic dispute that escalated into gunfire is at the center of an attempted murder case against Donell Trusty, 41. Prosecutors allege that Trusty shot into another driver’s occupied vehicle. The defense argues that he acted in self-defense after the driver threatened to “blow off his f***ing head.”
Trusty is charged with attempted first-degree and second-degree murder, assault, and firearm offenses in connection with a shooting on May 13.
According to the charging documents, the dispute began when Trusty attempted to drive around another vehicle and struck its side view mirror. The other driver later followed Trusty to a gas station, where he alleged that Trusty fired into his vehicle. Surveillance footage reportedly corroborated the allegation.
During opening statements on Nov. 10 the prosecution told jurors that the incident occurred on May 13 around 9 p.m. while it was raining. She alleged that Trusty was honking and yelling at the other driver during the traffic dispute.
The prosecutor also argued that the other driver had not fully stopped his car before Trusty opened fire.
Defense attorney Martin Cohen presented a different account, arguing that Trusty acted in self-defense after being threatened by the other driver.
Cohen told jurors that the other driver followed Trusty, pulled out a gun, and fired first. Then, he threatened to “blow off his f***ing head.” He said that Trusty drove to a nearby gas station and called 911 on the way.
Cohen also argued that Trusty was cooperative and forthcoming with police and told officers about a semi-automatic handgun in the other driver’s center console, which was later confirmed. Cohen questioned the police effort, saying officers did not do a thorough investigation and failed to collect additional evidence such as Ring doorbell footage.
The defense described the case as a “he said, he said” dispute and maintained that Trusty had acted in self-defense.
The trial is expected to resume on Nov. 12 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Martin H. Schreiber III.
