Clifton Ave. Murder ‘Clearly Planned Out,’ Prosecution Says

By Andrew Michaels - May 3, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

One of three co-defendants accused of a robbery turned homicide was denied bail on May 3, despite defense counsel’s argument that her client did not match a witness’ description.

Aaron Butler, 49, appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland on Tuesday to discuss bail in connection to a fatal shooting on Nov. 5, 2019. Butler is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder in addition to several robbery, burglary, and weapons charges.

According to the prosecution, Butler and his co-defendants, Khalil Madden and Donta Holdclaw, allegedly attempted to break into a home on the 4800 block of Clifton Avenue but were unsuccessful. The trio then shot through the front door to get inside as 31-year-old Jordan Taylor was on the other side trying to stop intruders from breaking in.

Taylor later died from his injuries.

“This was a murder that was very clearly planned out,” said the prosecutor, who noted that evidence included phone records prior to the incident as well as video surveillance footage.

Defense attorney Andrea Jaskulsky countered that Butler’s description did not match the description provided by the victim’s wife, who witnessed the incident and said the suspect had hair, which Butler does not.

Jaskulsky described the allegations as “very defensible” and requested Butler be released on private home detention. The defense attorney also said the victim’s family was present via phone during Tuesday’s bail review hearing and wished to speak, but Judge Copeland declined.

Pre-trial services informed Judge Copeland that Butler has seven prior convictions dating back to 1995, including assault with the intent to rob, robbery, and drug possession with the intent to distribute.

The defendant is currently scheduled for trial on Sept. 7.