Judge Denies Bail for Defendant Accused of Shooting His Friend

By Baltimore Witness Staff - October 8, 2021
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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Robert K. Taylor denied bail on Oct. 8 for a 20-year-old man who allegedly shot a friend on Dec. 16, 2020. 

Baltimore resident Eliot Holcomb is charged with attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first and second-degree assault, felony use of a firearm in a violent crime, conpiracy to commit felony use of a firearm in a violent crime, possession of a firearm as a minor, two counts of using a handgun in a vehicle, reckless endangerment, and discharging firearms. 

According to the defendant’s defense attorney, Gil Amaral, there was another person who was the target of the warrant posted for the shooter and that this other individual was identified as being the shooter in this case. 

Yet, the warrant was never pursued and the prosecution failed to locate or bring this suspect in for questioning. 

In addition, Amaral stated that during the time of the incident, Holcomb’s parents have confirmed, through interviews with detectives, that Holcomb was in the basement of their house and not in the vehicle outside of the victim’s home.

The defense attorney said that since Holcomb had no previous criminal history, a great family system, and did well in school, he should be released to private home detention. 

But, the prosecution said there were no disclosures for any witnesses and that the other shooter was never positively identified as the shooter. 

“Only Holcomb was seen shooting the victim and driving away from the scene,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecution argued that the victim and Holcomb knew each other and were friends prior to the incident. 

On the night of the incident, they had communicated via Instagram and started to fight virtually which prompted Holcomb to say “he is pulling up now.” The prosecution said Holcomb is a threat to public safety. 

After hearing counsel’s arguments and their respective facts, Judge Taylor ordered that Holcomb be held without bail. 

Holcomb is scheduled to appear for trial on Oct.12.