Jury Reaches Not Guilty Verdict for Some Charges in Attempted Murder

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A jury reached a split decision in the attempted murder trial of 35-year-old Jamal Piles on Feb. 28. 

The charges pressed against him were attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, reckless endangerment, having a handgun on his person, having a loaded handgun in a vehicle and discharging a firearm in Baltimore City in relation to an incident on June 6, 2023.

He was found not guilty of attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, having a handgun in a vehicle and discharging a firearm in Baltimore City. 

However, the jury found Piles guilty of the charges of second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, having a loaded gun on his person and having a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Additionally, the jury did not render a verdict for having a handgun on his person.

Piles’ trial was before Baltimore City Court Judge Robert K. Taylor, Jr. in regards to an incident on the 1300 block of Booth Street on June 6, 2023.

According to previous reporting, the incident has to do with an altercation among Piles, his wife and a second shooter.

The prosecution stated that Piles actively chose to clean up at the scene, and rebutted Piles’ self-defense claim, positioning him as the aggressor in the altercation. Amanda Savage, Piles’ defense attorney, stated that the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) investigation left much to be desired and that Piles’ intent was to protect his wife.

Piles’ sentencing will take place on June 17.