Attorneys presented different accounts of a fatal confrontation between neighbors during opening statements on June 8 in the first-degree murder trial of Neri Hernandez.
Hernandez, 30, appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Anthony Vittoria on June 8. He is represented by defense attorney Jerry Rodriguez.
Hernandez is charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, carrying a handgun on his person and other related offenses in connection with the March 16, 2025, death of Kendall Brown, 40, on the 4300 block of Shamrock Avenue.
The prosecutor described the case as straightforward and alleged that Hernandez shot Brown six times, including once in the back.
According to the state, Ring camera footage shows Hernandez leaving his property, walking toward Brown and firing at him before fleeing the area. The prosecutor also said Hernandez was apprehended approximately six-to-seven months later.
Rodriguez presented a different account of the confrontation. He said Brown pulled out a firearm during a verbal altercation and that Hernandez believed he was in danger.
The defense said Hernandez attempted to take the firearm away before running from the area. Although Rodriguez did not specifically describe the shooting as self-defense, he suggested Hernandez acted because he feared Brown would harm him.
Rodriguez said the confrontation followed an ongoing dispute over allegations that Hernandez had damaged Brown’s vehicle. According to the defense, Brown had repeatedly gone to Hernandez’s home seeking money for the alleged damage.
The defense also alleged that Brown used Hernandez’s immigration status in an attempt to intimidate him.
Brown was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he died.
The trial is expected to continue.
