‘Attempted Murder Of Who?’ Asks Prosecutor in Opening Statements in Edmondson Avenue Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

By Stephanie Landaverde [former] - July 6, 2023
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

On July 6, before opening statements were held for a 27-year-old defendant charged with murder in 2022, the defendant rejected a plea deal to serve 15 years in prison after pre-trial motions were held to suppress evidence collected by police officers before Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Kendra Y. Ausby. 

The prosecutor explained to Judge Ausby how the defendant, Henry Allen, represented by the defense counsel Maureen O’Lleary, had been stopped for the first time by officers on June 2, 2022. Though, the prosecutor reassured that his hat and marijuana were collected based on probable cause.

Judge Ausby granted a motion to not question the officers about their actions after reviewing Allen’s video surveillance footage. The court agreed that the officers had no right to take the bag and the hat from Allen, so the officers cannot bring said items into court or use them as evidence. However, the fact that Allen was wearing the items in question and the way anyone could see him wearing them on the May 31, 2022, video footage, does come into evidence. 

Allen additionally expressed having reservations regarding his attorney as she appeared to not be sure of the details within his case and rejected a plea offer to serve 30 years, suspending all but 15 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder. The first five of the 15 will be without the possibility of parole and Allen will be on probation for four years. For illegally possessing a firearm, Allen will serve the first five years without the possibility of parole, which will run concurrent to his attempted first-degree murder charge.  

“Attempted murder of who? That is the question you will leave this trial with today,” stated the prosecutor, indicating that Allen’s behavior was reckless and put the general public in danger.

On May 31, 2022, on 1800 Edmondson Avenue, five shots were fired and video footage identified Allen’s face and officers recognized him from prior incidents. On June 2, 2022, officers saw Allen across the street from where he was shooting the gun in the video footage, wearing the same exact bag and hat. The officers proceeded to interview him without arresting him. Additionally, statements were made by Allen regarding how he had weed in his bag, so the officers proceeded to seize the bag and the hat he was wearing. 

“There is reasonable doubt here. Mr. Allen maintains that’s not him. That is why he is not guilty,” refuted O’Leary. 

Allen is charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, carrying a handgun on his person, discharging firearms, possessing a firearm with a felony conviction, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, illegal possession of ammo, the use of a firearm during a felony-violent crime. 

According to court documents, on May 31, 2022, officers found five .40 caliber shell casings in front of the convenience store at 1800 Edmondson Avenue. A 2006 Toyota Corolla parked on the side of the street also appeared to have a bullet hole within the front tire and front quarter panel. Within the video footage, Allen approached the corner of Edmondson and Monroe Street, pulled out a handgun from his waist area and shot at an unknown individual across the street. Additionally, an officer stated to have recognized Allen within the video footage. On June 2, 2022, officers approached Allen, but Allen stated that he did not have any identification on him but had weed on his person. Officers proceed to take Allen’s hat, bag and marijuana from him, was handed a citizen contact card. Allen was let go afterwards.