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By
Sherrie Watkins
, Ben Dutcher - May 6, 2025
Attempted Murder
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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After counsel delivered opening statements in the trial of attempted murder defendant Michael Armstrong, 28, testimony was cut short when a fire alarm led court staff to evacuate Baltimore City’s Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Circuit Courthouse–temporarily shutting down all proceedings.
The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office announced the alarm May 6, at approximately 1:34 p.m. Fire trucks were parked outside the courthouses as staff with red flags led jurors toward the Baltimore War Memorial building.
According to information posted later on the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office site, “The fire alarm situation is at the Mitchell Courthouse is under control. A fire was reported on the 4th floor in room 438. A Sheriff’s Office employee put out the fire.”
Consequently, the building was reopened.
Meanwhile, Armstrong, 28, is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, and several other firearm violations.
According to the prosecution, on Feb. 19, 2024, Armstrong drove up to a woman’s car, started shooting and ultimately emptied his gun into the vehicle. The conflict allegedly took place over $158.
While fleeing, Armstrong allegedly rammed the victim’s car. Responding officers found the vehicle upside down. The prosecution claimed Armstrong was more concerned with escaping the scene than the severity of his actions. Bystanders arrived to provide aid and alerted 911.
Officers obtained witness statements that led them to the 6000 block of Belair Road. Recovered evidence included graphic home security camera footage from residences of the victim and her neighbor that appear to corroborate the prosecution’s account. The footage, which was shown to the jury during the hearing, captured a person identified as the defendant shooting into the victim’s car and fleeing.
Police were able to identify Armstrong as the suspect with the help of a sketch drawn by a crime scene technician, who also testified during the hearing.
All evidence was admitted into the trial. Armstrong’s attorney, Augustine Okeke, made multiple objections and asserted his client’s innocence, and urged the jury to agree.