35-Year-Old Charged with Attempted Murder Granted Home Detention

By Cynthia Eapen [former] - September 1, 2021
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A man charged with attempted murder was released on home detention for allegedly shooting at his ex-girlfriend and her daughter in a car on the 700 Block of South Carey Street. 

The case was addressed during a bail hearing on Sept. 1 at the Baltimore City Circuit Court.

On Christmas Day last year, 35-year-old Baltimore resident Jerome Gray was allegedly shooting at a vehicle that his ex-girlfriend was driving with her daughter in the passenger seat.  

Gray is charged with first and second-degree attempted murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, use of a firearm in a violent crime, discharging a firearm, knowingly transporting a handgun in a vehicle, possession of ammo, and having a handgun on his person. 

When Judge Christopher L. Panos asked defense attorney Julie Shapiro to relay Gray’s criminal history, she said that Gray had nine prior convictions, including disorderly conduct, second-degree assault, and several cases of marijuana possession. 

The defense attorney also mentioned that Gray’s convictions are “extremely old [and] it’s been about nine or 10 years since his last time of committing any violent act.”

According to Shapiro, he has made good faith attempts to change his life in that he is now self-employed and has strong family support. 

Judge Panos then addressed the prosecutor who argued that Gray be held without bail because he admitted to having a handgun in the area of the shooting at the time of the crime. Additionally, the recovered gun was found three to four feet from where the defendant was standing. 

The prosecutor also said that the shooting could serve as an indication that Gray could be a danger to others. 

Shapiro immediately interjected and told Judge Panos that no ballistics, shell casings, or ammunition were found at the crime scene. Although the ex-girlfriend had stated that her car was struck by gunfire, there was no evidence corroborating the allegations against Gray. 

“There was no hit,” said Shapiro. 

After reviewing all arguments, Judge Panos asked the prosecutor and defense attorney if they understood that attempted murder carries a life sentence. Once both parties agreed, Judge Panos found by clear and convincing evidence that there is a chance for detainment and placed Gray on at-home detention. 

Gray is scheduled for reception court on Oct. 6.