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By
Cecilia Wetzel
- July 9, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Shooting
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Victims
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Closing arguments in Dominic Felder’s murder trial were made before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Cynthia H. Jones on July 9.
Felder, 34 is charged with the first- and second-degree murder of 20-year-old Tavin Cooper on Oct. 2, 2024, on the 2500 block of McHenry Street.
The prosecution’s key witness, Cooper’s cousin, testified the day prior and identified Felder as the shooter. During closings, the prosecutor told the jury that the witness reaped no benefits from testifying against Felder and that he put himself at risk by taking the stand.
Defense attorney John E. Cox argued that the witness was not credible, and changed his story upon appearing in court. The witness was arrested shortly after the homicide when officers recovered a firearm from him. In a clip shown in court, the witness was heard asking police, “Yo, is he OK?” “Did he get shot?”
Cox noted the witness tried to exchange information for his release following his arrest. When officers refused to let him walk, he asked, “If I give you a name, will you let me go?” He then allegedly gave Felder’s name.
Cox claimed the true shooter was another unidentified person of interest seen in area footage. “I am going to show you the shooter,” he said, indicating an unidentified figure from video evidence..
The unnamed individual wore clothing different from Felder’s, and was seen exiting a house near the crime scene with another individual while holding a suspected firearm. One of them called out the witness’ nickname, saying he was up the street. The two individuals were then seen heading that way.
The jury is currently deliberating.