A 30-year-old man stood before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Catherine Chen and a panel of jurors on Feb. 13 as counsel delivered opening statements regarding his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting of two minors last April between the 2600 block of Polk Street and the 1700 block of Montpelier Street.
Raekwon Newman is charged with two counts each of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and conspiracy, as well four firearm violations.
Charging documents state that on the afternoon of April 10, 2025, two teenagers were shooting dice outside of the Sun M Food Market on the 2600 block of Polk Street when a group of three men approached them. At around 3:25 p.m., gunshots were heard.
One of the victims was shot in the buttocks, while the other was shot in his thigh. Both victims survived their injuries. Newman and the other two suspects, who remain unidentified, allegedly fled the scene. According to a detective’s trstimony, investigators found blood on the 2600 block of Polk Street.
The state’s attorney explained that conspiring to murder someone doesn’t require a formal agreement and reminded the jury of their role as “the trier of fact.”
Newman’s defense attorney, John Deros, denied every charge maintaining the state “got the wrong guy in that chair,” and told jurors they can expect to hear substantial testimony regarding the investigation.
Deros also denied his client was in possession of a firearm that day, arguing that surveillance cameras captured Newman holding his shoe in his left hand, rather than a gun. Newman, who Deros described as “heavyset,” was seen wearing a Michael Kors jacket and no shoe on his right foot.
The case is expected to continue on Tuesday, Feb. 17 with further witness testimony.
