Defense Argues Victim Named Defendant in Retaliation

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Defense counsel in an attempted murder case alleged that the victim was “blaming her client” for a shooting he didn’t commit after the latter accused the victim of stealing home utilities in another case.

During a bail review hearing for defendant Dante Owens on April 26, defense attorney Andrea Jaskulsky informed Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Philip S. Jackson that Owens was renovating a home near the victim’s residence on the 2600 block of Wilkens Avenue. The defendant reported the victim for stealing utilities, and the case was later deemed inactive.

The prosecution said that someone was stealing utilities from the defendant, but that it was not the victim, adding that there was video surveillance evidence.

On Tuesday, Jaskulsky argued that the victim was now accusing Owens of a drive-by shooting when the victim was shot in the leg while walking down the street on Jan. 15.

Owens is also charged for assault in another incident on Nov. 2, 2021, when he allegedly attacked someone with a baseball bat.

Counsel nor Judge Jackson clarified whether both incidents involved the same victim.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, Judge Jackson denied bail.

Owens is scheduled to appear in reception court on July 19, according to the Maryland Judiciary website.