Shooter Reported Car Stolen to Cover Up Murder, Prosecutor Argues in Fatal West North Avenue Shooting Trial

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Arthur McCaden reported his vehicle stolen to cover up the murder of 36-year-old Derrick Smith nearly a week before Christmas 2021.

This was the prosecutor’s theory in McCaden’s trial, which he said comes down to two questions: Who is the person in the Volkswagen, and what are his intentions?

On March 3, McCaden was found guilty of first-degree murder, firearm possession with a felony conviction, and having a handgun on his person as well as four counts of firearm use in a felony violent crime, and three counts of attempted first-degree murder.

His sentencing is currently scheduled for July 14.

During closing arguments on March 2, the prosecutor reminded jurors that on Dec. 17, 2021, McCaden left his vehicle running on the 1200 block of W. North Avenue after opening fire on a crowd of people, killing Smith and injuring three others. He left his vehicle running because he did not anticipate Smith’s brother to return fire and ended up running away.

Over the course of the trial, video surveillance showed the 38-year-old defendant looking for Smith in a Burger King parking lot. When McCaden pulls out his gun and begins shooting, he hits Smith in the back and three others in their hand, shoulder, and arm, respectively. McCaden then ran away, leaving his vehicle behind.

The defendant later reported his vehicle stolen but could not tell Baltimore Police when or how it was stolen.

Police found ammunition in McCaden’s vehicle that matched the six casings from the scene.

Defense attorney James Sweeting III argued that the real issue was the shooter’s identity, telling the jury that the suspect was shorter than his client and was the person who stole his client’s vehicle.

“Things are often not what they seem to be,” Sweeting said. “If you look closer, you will notice there are significant differences between McCaden and the assailant.”

The defense attorney asked jurors to question the lack of evidence, specifically, forensic evidence, fingerprints, and ballistics.