Closing arguments in the Matthew Harper Jr. murder trial, Sept. 17, focused on whether circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution proved Harper’s involvement in the 2024 murder of Damien Parker.
Harper, 30, is charged in connection with the Oct. 7, 2024, murder of Parker, 26 who was shot on the 2300 block of Harford Road near the intersection of Harford Road and Normal Avenue. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. A medical examiner determined that Parker died from multiple gunshot wounds.
During closing arguments, the prosecution argued that the evidence presented throughout the trial connected Harper to the shooting including surveillance footage showing a black Infiniti near the scene and fleeing the area after the shooting. The vehicle was seen traveling through the intersection of Harford Road and Normal Avenue. The prosecution argued that the vehicle seen in the surveillance footage was the same black Infiniti later associated with Harper.
The prosecution also walked the jury through the timeline surrounding the shooting and the discovery of the Infiniti until the vehicle was later found after Harper allegedly fled from police. A firearm was recovered near where Harper fled, and forensic testing found DNA consistent with Harper’s on the firearm. The prosecution argued the totality of evidence connected Harper to the shooting.
The prosecutor reinforced the crime’s timeline by showing surveillance footage of Parker’s brother kneeling next to him after the shooting.
The prosecution also mentioned the Infiniti’s electric license plate cover, which could be operated from inside the vehicle–a device prohibited in Maryland. The prosecutor argued that the feature was significant when considering the vehicle’s connection to the shooting and Harper.
On the other hand, the defense argued that the case relied on circumstantial evidence insufficient to prove Herper’s guilt. Jason Ott questioned the investigation, including the initial description of the vehicle as a black sedan and the amount of time between the incident and Harper being charged. The defense also pointed out that the victim, Parker, had a weapon.
During rebuttal, the prosecution argued that the defense was focusing on details that did not undermine the totality of evidence. The prosecutor again pointed to the black Infiniti, the vehicle’s license plate cover and the timeline presented during the trial. The prosecutor urged jurors to consider the totality of the evidence and use their common sense when reaching a verdict.
The jury began deliberations on Sept. 19.
