Defendant Admitted to 32-Year-Old Man’s Murder on Reisterstown Road in June 2021, Prosecutor Says

Baltimore Courthouse

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Defendant Byron Erin Lewis eventually admitted to the murder of 32-year-old Shammarh Jenkins, a Baltimore City prosecutor said to a jury on April 12.

Represented by defense attorney James Sweeting III, Lewis is charged with first-degree murder and four weapons charges in connection to Jenkins’ death on June 12, 2021. His trial began on Wednesday before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Geller.

According to the prosecution, Jenkins had a card table set up on the sidewalk on the 2200 block of Reisterstown Road, where he was selling some things. Later that evening, Baltimore Police were alerted of gunshots in the area and someone laying on the ground.

Police found Jenkins’ body with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso.

During their investigation, police were able to identify Lewis as the shooter while reviewing video surveillance from the area and seeing the suspect get into a minivan and drive away after the shooting. The prosecutor said Lewis initially lied to police about his involvement, but later confessed, saying he had a dispute with Jenkins.

Sweeting did not discuss the details of the case, but rather encouraged the jury to keep an open mind as they listen to the evidence.

“This case will take turns,” he said. “Things that seem clear at first will start to become fuzzy.”

The trial proceeded with testimony and is expected to continued on April 13.