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By
Jasmine Milbourne
- July 8, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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As counsel delivered opening statements in Maurice Jones’ murder trial, defense attorney James Sweeting instructed jurors to evaluate evidence and witness testimonies with open minds. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Paul E. Alpert presided over the July 8 hearing.
Jones, 29, is charged with first-degree murder and related firearm violations in connection to the death of 23-year-old Montez Barrett on April 24, 2024. Barrett was found fatally shot twice in the back of his head. The victim and defendant allegedly knew each other prior to the incident, though the circumstances of their relationship are unknown.
A deputy chief medical examiner who conducted an autopsy on Barrett testified they were unable to recover any gunpowder residue, which could have helped indicate the shooter’s proximity to Barrett. Barrett’s head was severely damaged from skull fractures, and his death was ruled a homicide.
The prosecution also presented body-worn camera footage that captured initial attempts by responding officers and paramedics to revive Barrett. Despite their efforts, Barrett was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Responding officers observed a blood trail leading outside the driver side door, and searched the street for further evidence. In the car, they located two cellphones and multiple blood spatters. Multiple DNA swabs and latent fingerprints were recovered for processing. During the hearing, a crime lab technician summoned by the prosecution was unable to confirm any matches.
The trial is expected to continue until Thursday.