Deceased Victim’s Cousin Testifies in McHenry Street Murder Trial

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The second day of Dominic Felder’s murder trial began before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Cynthia H. Jones on July 8, with the victim’s cousin taking the stand.

Felder, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, firearm possession with a prior felony conviction and having a handgun on his person in connection to the Oct. 2, 2024 homicide of 20-year-old Tavin Cooper.

As previously reported, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers responded to the 2500 block of McHenry Street following ShotSpotter alerts. Upon arrival, they observed Cooper suffering from gunshot wounds to the left side of his head. Cooper was transported to University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he later died.

An expert from the Baltimore Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled Cooper’s death a homicide.

Cooper’s cousin took the stand and testified he was with Cooper the night of the fatal shooting. He recalled two people approaching them asking Cooper, “Don’t you have money on your head?” Following the exchange, Cooper was shot.

Cooper’s cousin said he stayed with Cooper for about thirty seconds before fleeing. He was subsequently stopped by the police, who recovered a handgun from his body and charged him accordingly. He was transported to Felder’s trial from his correctional facility, where he was serving time for the handgun charge. On the stand, he claimed he initially gave officers false details out of fear.

During questioning by defense attorney John E. Cox, Cooper’s cousin seemed unable to recall specific details of the incident, such as which hand the shooter used to hold the gun.

“I know who killed my cousin,” he repeated, identifying Felder by his blue shirt.

The trial and testimony continues.