After Closing Arguments Jury Quickly Finds Ashton Street Murder Defendant Guilty

By Hannah Rainer [former] - December 5, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects |

On Nov. 29, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Charles H. Dorsey heard closing arguments in the murder case of Kevin Moody, 21.

Jerritt Barron, 20, was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony-violent crime, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, possession of a firearm as a minor, and having a loaded handgun in his vehicle in relation to Moody’s murder in June, 2022. Barron’s co-defendant is Antonio Purisima, 21.   

The prosecution said the crime itself only took thirty seconds to commit, with Moody appearing to have been targeted by Barron and Purisima. 

“You are being tasked to decide two things, was Kevin Moody murdered and did Jerritt Barron kill him?” stated the prosecution.

Defense attorney James Sweeting asked the jurors to open their minds and think about the evidence presented. He stated that the pieces of the puzzle did not fit. He noted Barron’s past may not be clean, but that does not mean he killed Moody.

“We don’t try people for being bad dudes,” said Sweeting.

The prosecution said the defense was merely trying to plant doubt in their minds. They stated that if the jurors would only open their eyes and look at what was in front of them, they could see that only Barron could have been responsible for the crime.

“When you take it all together it points to Jerritt Barron’s guilt,” they stated.

According to Baltimore Witness, on June 15, 2022, Baltimore City Police responded to a call for a shooting around the 2200 block of Aston Street. Upon arriving, officers found Kevin Moody, shot four times. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Police we able to identify two suspects, Barron and Pursima, via CCTV video from the area. The two were later arrested and charged for his death.  

After deliberating one day, on Nov. 30 Barron was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime and illegal possession of a firearm. His sentencing date has yet to be released.