Following a trial that hinged on the legal definition of intent, jurors convicted 37-year-old Terrance Jennings of manslaughter and use of a dangerous weapon in the stabbing death of his cousin, Deandre Yelverton on March 2.
Charging documents state the stabbing occurred on Nov. 6, 2024, after Jennings and Yelverton got into an altercation at an Exxon gas station on the 2500 block of N. Howard Street. Yelverton had turned 36- years-old less than two weeks prior to the attack.
Surveillance footage captured the men wrestling before Jennings was heard saying, “I’ma stab you, bro.”
He then allegedly delivered a fatal, downward strike with a 5.5-inch knife.
At trial, the prosecution argued for a conviction on first-degree murder, claiming Jennings had 52 seconds to reconsider delivering a fatal blow after an initial scuffle. The charge was ultimately downgraded to manslaughter.
Defense attorney Jerry Rodriguez argued Jennings was justified in attacking Yelverton, who initiated the altercation by slamming the defendant to the ground while he was urinating. Rodriguez contended Jennings’ response was motivated by sudden anger rather than premeditation. The defendant reportedly told his cousin to “walk home,” after the stabbing, suggesting he did not expect his actions to have fatal consequences.
Autopsy reports showed signs of a deliberate overhead strike, and witness testimony described nightlong bickering between the two cousins.
Jurors ultimately sided with the state, convicting Jennings of all charges for Yelverton’s death. Proceedings were heard before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Catherine Chen, who is also set to preside over Jennings’ sentencing on May 21.
