Attorneys Debate Forensic Evidence as Juvenile Murder Trial Closes

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Counsel debated the validity of DNA evidence as trial closed Sept. 3 for two Baltimore men accused of murdering a teenager during a drive-by shooting last May.

Korey Hopson, 23, and Charles Robinson, 27, are accused of murdering 17-year-old Denzel Johnson and injuring another victim during a shooting that occurred May 25, 2024, on the 800 block of N. Dukeland Street. Both are charged with first-degree murder and assault, attempted first-degree murder, firearm use in a violent crime, and related firearm violations.

The prosecution reiterated that a significant amount of evidence implicated the co-defendants in the crime, including cellphone location data, GPS data from a rented white 2023 Nissan Rogue used in the drive-by shooting, and DNA evidence found in the vehicle. Several fingerprints lifted from the vehicle’s interior are said to match those of Hopson and Robinson, while at least four other lifted prints belonged to unidentified individuals.

Defense attorneys Tony Garcia and Donald Wright argued that the presence of the defendants’ DNA in the vehicle was insufficient to prove they committed the fatal shooting.

“Mere presence is not enough to find someone guilty of murder,” said Garcia.

Garcia claimed it made perfect sense for the co-defendant’s DNA to be inside the vehicle, as they rented it a week prior to the murder and likely used it for transportation in the days prior.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeannie J. Hong presided over proceedings. The jury is currently deliberating.