Trial Begins for Man Accused of Murdering His Wife

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The trial of a 58-year-old Baltimore man who allegedly killed his wife began on Sept. 17 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Phillip Jackson.

Cleveland DeShields is facing first-degree murder charges.

During his opening statement, the prosecutor accused the defendant of assaulting and murdering his wife, Wanda Diggins, around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 2, 2018, inside of a home on the 1700 block of N. Bentalou Street. Before the incident occurred, he said, the defendant and the victim were arguing.

The prosecutor said that according to a witness, DeShields was seen sitting alone in a dark room where the killing occurred.

During the defense attorney’s opening statement, Maureen Rowland said married couples tend to have arguments, and there was nothing unusual about it. She also argued that at the time of the incident, DeShields was not present.

LaPolla said that throughout the entire time the victim was in the hospital, her condition remained the same from the time she entered the facility. The defense also mentioned that the victim was on drugs at the time of the incident, specifically cocaine and weed as well as alcohol.

One of the responding police officers is slated to be the first witness to testify on behalf of the prosecution.

The trial is set to continue on Sept. 20.