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By
Jonathan Keesee
, Carla Abon - November 19, 2024
Court
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Homicides
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Victims
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On Nov. 19, a jury heard opening statements from the prosecution and defense attorney Augustine Okeke in the trial of a 20-year-old attempted murder suspect.
Mekhi Green, 20, is charged in two cases in connection with an incident on Feb. 26. In one case, he is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of firearm use in a felony or violent crime, two counts of using an assault weapon or magazine, reckless endangerment, transporting or carrying a handgun, and firing or discharging a handgun.
In another case, he is charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, and first-degree conspiracy to commit assault.
The prosecution told the jury the trial should last two days and would include footage allegedly of Green on the night of the shooting.
Then Okeke said the jury would only see Green trying to get food from a Popeyes restaurant with his girlfriend until four individuals walked into the restaurant.
Okeke said the individuals were looking at Green suspiciously while in the restaurant as Green saw the individuals had a gun on them. Two of the individuals walked up to Green.
“If you pull out a gun, you better use it”, said Okeke explaining that if there comes a time when you feel like you’re in danger, then you have to protect yourself. Green had a gun and fired it at the individuals. Okeke explained that Green was just trying to protect himself when he shot the victims.
“Without that gun, Green wouldn’t be here right now”, said Okeke. Okeke talked to the jury stating, “You have to decide the case by the evidence.”
After opening statements, the jury heard from a Baltimore Police Department (BPD) detective who allegedly was able to identify Green from video footage of his license plate.
TThe trial is slated to resume on Nov. 20.