“The only fact that is true is that he is innocent,” said defense attorney Brandon Patterson as the first day of trial began for a Baltimore man charged with the murder of his cousin.
On Feb. 14, opening statements began before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Yvette M. Brown in the case of Demetrick Lewis.
The assistant state’s attorney reminded the jury that Demetrick Lewis, 32, allegedly engaged in an argument with the victim, Shanlette Lewis, which resulted in Demetrick Lewis allegedly pushing the victim down the basement steps. The victim sustained head and neck injuries and was later pronounced dead.
“The death of someone does not automatically mean murder,” Patterson said to the jury, advising them to pay attention and “contemplate what you don’t see.”
According to CBS News, Lewis, 32, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 33-year-old Shanlette Lewis on Feb. 1, 2022. The incident occurred on the 700 block of North Curley.
The trial proceeded with witnesses testimony on Tuesday and is set to continue on Feb. 15 before Judge Brown.
