All charges were dismissed against 29-year-old defendant Therron Spencer by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lynn S. Mays after a key prosecution witness failed to appear on time.
Spencer was charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of first-degree assault, and multiple firearm-related charges in connection to a shooting that occurred in March leaving a 34-year-old victim in critical condition.
According to charging documents, Therron and his father Brandon Therron Spencer, 49, attended a cookout on the 3100 block of Oakford Avenue. Brandon allegedly became upset with men at the event, leading to a verbal altercation. The victim reportedly attempted to diffuse the situation by stepping in-between the antagonists when Brandon allegedly shot him.
Surveillance footage obtained by investigators allegedly depicted Therron also appearing to fire multiple shots at several individuals on scene before jumping over a vehicle and continuing to fire multiple rounds in the 4400 block of Park Heights Avenue. He then fled the area.
The father-son duo are being tried separately. Brandon was acquitted of eight charges during his trial in October.
Earlier on Nov. 9, in opening statements, the prosecution maintained Brandon reportedly shot someone multiple times, and then claimed that the Therron shot at individuals running from the scene and continued to follow them around the corner.
Defense attorney John Deros claimed that this is not a case of attempted first-degree murder. He argued that the state “needs to prove they got the right person sitting in the hot seat, which is not him [the defendant].” Deros concluded that the state has “failed miserably” in proving his client’s guilt.
Following opening arguments a Baltimore City Police Department (BPD)detective assigned to the case testified that they had interviewed a witness who allegedly identified Therron as a shooter.
A second detective was set to testify but didn’t make it to the courthouse on time because of a doctor’s appointment. As a result, Judge Mays wouldn’t let him take the stand even though he arrived outside the courtroom close to the appointed hour.
Therefore, the defense motioned for a dismissal of charges. Deros argued that witnesses failed to appear and the case was unreasonably delayed.
Judge Mays granted the motion and the charges against Therron were dismissed.
