Bail Denied for Attempted Murder Defendant Who Allegedly Drove Getaway Vehicle

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A 38-year-old Baltimore man accused of being the driver in a drive-by shooting was denied bail on Feb. 25 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Philip S. Jackson.

Johnathan Williams is charged with attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, use of a firearm during a violent crime, accessory to after the fact of first and second-degree murder and two counts of having a handgun in a vehicle on a public road in connection to an incident that occurred on Sept. 25, 2021.

During a bail review hearing on Friday, Judge Jackson listened as the defendant’s defense attorney William Gibbs Jr., argued that his client did not shoot anyone. He said that if his client was the driver; there is no evidence that confirms he was.

“The victim of the shooting was involved with another guy,” Gibbs said. “The other guy is the actual shooter, not my client. For some reason, the other individual in this case is not facing any charges at all. Why is that so? There is no eyewitness named in this case who can confirm that my client was the shooter or the driver.”

Gibbs also mentioned that the district court planned to make adjustments to Williams’ charges, however he was indicted before a change could be made. Reinforcing that the evidence in this case does not connect his client to any involvement whatsoever, Gibbs asked Judge Jackson if his client could be released on his own recognizance.

The prosecutor disagreed with the defense’s proposal, arguing for Williams to continue being detained.

“You do not have to be the actual shooter to be charged with attempted murder and gun charges,” argued the prosecution. “The victim in this case was shot eight times by the defendant, so Williams had to be well involved in the shooting since he was driving the vehicle at the time of the shooting. The vehicle in the shooting was identified by another witness and Williams was identified as the driver by police. Williams has five prior convictions and is currently on probation, he should be held without bond because he poses a significant risk to public safety.”

Pretrial Services also recommended no bond, as the defendant has been on probation for possession of narcotics since Oct. 8, 2021. His probation sentence is set to end on March 15.

Based on the facts of the case, Williams’ prior convictions, and his current probation sentence, Judge Jackson denied bail and remanded the defendant to be held without bond invoking that he is a danger to public safety.

According to Fox 45, on Sept. 25, 2021, officers were called to the 3500 block of Brehms Lane for reports of a shooting. They found a 34-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he remains in serious condition.

Williams’ next hearing is scheduled for March 17.