Defense attorneys argued that Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers rushed to judgment in the January 2024 homicide of a 33-year-old woman along I-83 on Nov. 12.
Christopher Lee, 28, is charged with first-degree murder and firearm use in a violent crime regarding a Jan. 14, 2024, shooting near Exit 3 of I-83. While driving northbound with his girlfriend, Jazmyn Reed, there was an alleged argument that led to the couple struggling over a firearm. The weapon discharged, shooting Reed in the face through her left cheek. Lee then pulled over on the shoulder of I-83 North and called 911.
Lee’s defense attorneys, Lawrence and Ethan Greenberg, opened by stating the Baltimore Police Department’s (BPD) investigation was conducted “absolutely backwards from the start.” Counsel claimed the responding officers decided Lee was guilty as soon as they arrived at the scene. The facts and evidence were carefully selected to support their narrative, his attorney said.
Police body camera footage showed the responding officer detaining Lee almost immediately after approaching his vehicle, stating shortly after, “That woman is dead.” Therefore, the officer failed to check for Reed’s pulse, a defense attorney said.
When the defense implied that this was negligent, the officer testified that he made an educated guess based on her fixed stare, still chest, and open, blood-filled mouth.
He also explained that his duty as a patrol officer is to secure persons of interest and preserve the crime scene. Any help he might have been able to offer would have altered and contaminated the evidence he said.
However, when medical examiners arrived at the scene, they found Reed’s pulse still beating. She was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The discrepancy between the officer’s initial judgment and the medical examiner’s findings was emphasized by the defense.
Lee’s attorneys also criticized the responding officer’s behavior once more officers arrived at the scene.
According to the defense, the officer told them that Lee had admitted to killing the victim, even though Lee says he never confessed.
The officer can also be heard on body camera footage bragging about solving the first homicide of the year.
When asked about the remarks, the officer testified that Lee’s report of an argument between him and Reed was enough of a confession for him.
Lee’s trial is slated to continue on Nov. 13 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer.
