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Laura Van Pate
- June 13, 2024
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“The prosecution didn’t paint the whole picture in this case,” a defense attorney said during his closing argument on June 13 in Baltimore City Circuit Court.
Roland Harris, is representing Jewel Crowder, a 41-year-old man accused in a homicide.
Crowder is charged with first-degree murder, firearm usage in a felony or violent crime and reckless endangerment for the murder of an off-duty Howard County Sheriff’s Deputy.
On Sept. 28, 2023, Crowder allegedly shot 23-year-old Ryan Demby eight times near the 1100 block of South Charles Street. The deadly confrontation occurred after Demby and a friend were kicked out of a bar and the altercation escalated to a street fight ultimately involving Crowder.
He alleged he was trying to protect someone and the thought Demby was dangerous because he was carrying a gun.
The prosecution argued that Demby wasn’t brandishing a gun and didn’t use it in the fight. As a friend attempted to hold Demby back, Crowder allegedly shot the deputy seven times, including multiple shots fired while standing over the fallen victim.
Earlier, Harris dismissed the prosecution’s “sanitized version” of events, saying Demby “had no business” having a firearm on him that evening given his aggressive behavior and documented intoxication.
The prosecution said that after Crowder shot Demby, the suspect went straight home and registered with the U.S. Concealed Carry Association so he could legitimize using his gun.
Crowder’s case was heard in front of Judge Yvette M. Bryant. The jury will begin deliberating Friday.
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