Defense Argues Defendant Shot Victim’s Dog in Self-Defense

By Lake Marion [former] - August 2, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

“If it was you, what would you do?” defense attorney Brandon Taylor asked a panel of jurors on Aug. 1 in the trial of Email Wells Jr. 

Taylor represents the defendant whose trial began Tuesday afternoon before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lynn Stewart Mays. 

According to the prosecutor, Wells shot and killed the victim’s dog, “Chop,” in what Wells cited as an act of self-defense to protect his own dog when they went out for a walk. 

“He did shoot the dog, that is not a question,” said the prosecutor. “He absolutely acted recklessly.”

Taylor made the argument that Wells had his gun for over 20 years and never had any issues  before the incident on Dec. 18, 2022. However, Wells has a gun license and when his dog was attacked, the attorney said, he did what he thought was right to do to protect it.

“He pulled out his licensed gun and shot the dog,” Taylor continued. “He had to make a split-second decision.”

Prior to the start of his trial, the prosecutor offered Wells a plea of 90 days suspended for animal cruelty and three years suspended with three years probation for reckless endangerment, which the defendant rejected.

Wells is charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty, having a handgun on his person, reckless endangerment, and firing a gun within Baltimore City.

His trial will continue on Aug. 2.