Attempted Murder Defendant Takes the Stand During Last Day of Trial

By Braden Hamelin [former] - July 15, 2022
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Suspects | Victims |

An attempted murder defendant took the stand on July 15 during an ongoing trial to tell his version of the incident that nearly killed an apartment maintenance worker before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer 

Tionn Casey, 42, is accused of first and second-degree attempted murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, use of a firearm during a violent crime, wearing or carrying a handgun on his person, and discharging a firearm in connection with an incident that occurred on Aug. 13, 2021. Casey admitted to shooting an apartment worker in the leg three times inside of his apartment.

Counsel agreed on two facts: Casey shot the victim three times and there was a history of disputes between the two men.

Brandon Taylor, Casey’s defense attorney, argued that Casey felt threatened by the victim. He said the victim caused Casey to shoot by lunging at him while heading towards the door when the two crossed paths. Casey armed himself because he was nervous of what the victim, who was substantially larger than him, might do because of prior heated confrontations, Taylor said.

“This is not a one-day event,” Taylor said, referring to the alleged build-up in tension between the two men.

It was self-defense, according to Taylor, which explained why Casey didn’t shoot to kill or chase after the victim and was fine with leaving him alive as a witness.

On the stand, Casey corroborated Taylor’s argument, saying he never wanted to kill the victim and that he just wanted to get away from the victim.

However, the prosecutor said the force Casey used wasn’t reasonable. He said the defendant didn’t have a good reason for shooting the victim, especially since the victim says he never lunged at Casey.

“We don’t reward bad aim,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor argued that three bullets were too many, emphasizing that the victim was on his way towards the door when the shooting occurred. The prosecutor told the jury that the victim wanted to leave too because Casey made him feel uncomfortable.        

The jury broke for deliberations shortly before the court day ended. Deliberations are set to continue on July 18.