Nearly four years after the initial incident, the attempted murder trial of 25-year-old Javon Hines began May 18 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Michael A. DiPietro.
Hines is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime and discharging a firearm within Baltimore City for an Oct. 21, 2022 non-fatal shooting on the 3300 block of Bayonne Avenue.
According to court records, officers responded to the location for reports of an aggravated shooting and located a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. Witnesses allegedly described a dark-colored sedan leaving the area following the shooting. Investigators later connected Hines to the case through witness statements, vehicle information, and ballistic evidence tied to a Glock 48 handgun allegedly recovered during a separate arrest in November 2022.
Before testimony began May 18, the court addressed prior plea negotiations. Prosecutors previously extended an offer that was removed from the table last Thursday. Defense attorneys Robert Cohen and Janet Anderson presented a counteroffer, which Hines declined on the record before the judge. Hines instead elected to proceed with a trial before a judge rather than a jury.
The prosecution called four witnesses during the first day of testimony. One witness repeatedly stated they could not recall portions of the incident or prior statements allegedly made to investigators. Prosecutors referenced prior recorded interviews during questioning.
Additional testimony focused on the investigation following the shooting, including firearm evidence, surveillance footage, and license plate information allegedly linking Hines to the incident. During cross-examination, defense attorneys challenged portions of the investigation timeline and questioned inconsistencies in witness recollections and identification testimony.
The bench trial is scheduled to continue May 19. If Hines is convicted, the next phase of proceedings is expected to continue Thursday and Friday.
