Cell Phone Video Helped ID Edmondson Avenue Murder Suspect, Prosecutor Argues

By Andrew Michaels - May 8, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

When 47-year-old Ricky Crenshaw shot and killed Terence Cheatham last year, the defendant would’ve gotten away with the 33-year-old’s murder had it not been for a witness’ cell phone recording at the time of the shooting, a Baltimore City prosecutor alleged on May 7.

Following a speedy jury selection, Crenshaw began his trial Tuesday afternoon when the prosecutor told jurors they will see cell phone evidence from March 21, 2023, that shows the suspect, later identified as Crenshaw, with a gun and Cheatham as he attempted to get away on the 2100 block of Edmondson Avenue. Although the video does not capture the shooting, he said, jurors will hear the gunshots and see the defendant’s vehicle.

“The defendant shot and killed Terence Cheatham in broad daylight in a crowded street,” the prosecutor said.

Detectives with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) were quick to identify the suspect’s vehicle and arrested Crenshaw the next day during a traffic stop after surveilling what they believed to be his apartment on the 1300 block of East Lanvale Street. A loaded ghost gun was also found on the defendant.

The prosecutor asked the jury to pay attention to the suspect’s wardrobe as seen in the cell phone video, including identifying features such as his watch, sunglasses, mask and pinky ring.

Defense attorney Brandon Patterson quickly reminded jurors that his client is innocent until proven guilty by the prosecution, adding that it’s “very easy” to charge someone with a crime.

“The only thing that is true is that my client, Ricky Crenshaw, is innocent,” Patterson said. “…We don’t convict on ‘maybes.’”

Crenshaw’s trial is expected to continue on May 8 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer.