Forensic scientists and police continued their testimony on Nov. 7 in the trial of Bryan Cherry, 37, who is accused of murdering 38-year-old Sierra Johnson at an Abbott Court residence last July.
Cherry is charged with first-degree murder and the use of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure in connection to Johnson’s death. Investigators responded to a residence on the 800 block of Abbott Court following an anonymous 911 call from a neighbor, who was also the prosecution’s first witness at trial. Investigators found Johnson unresponsive on a couch in Cherry’s home with severe blunt force trauma to her head. Johnson’s pants had reportedly been pulled halfway down her legs, and Cherry told the witness he “wore her out.”
The trial resumed before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry G. Williams after proceedings were briefly delayed earlier in November due to a shortage of jurors.
A state forensic scientist testified that she photographed and processed the crime scene, collected fingerprint evidence and tested Cherry’s clothes, shoes, and backpack for blood. She said preliminary results suggested the possibility of blood on the items, but noted that full testing was not completed to preserve the items for further analysis.
During cross-examination, defense attorney Gregory J. Fischer questioned the reliability of the forensic methods used, emphasizing that field tests are not definitive. The defense’s own serology expert later testified that the state’s analysis excluded potential additional DNA sources and argued that the findings were inconclusive without the confirmation provided by repeated testing.
A Baltimore police detective noted area surveillance cameras allegedly captured Cherry fleeing the area, but admitted he did not seek a warrant to search for more evidence. Another officer testified that Cherry initially provided police with multiple false names upon being chased down and arrested.
The prosecution maintains that forensic evidence and witness statements link Cherry to the scene, while the defense continues to challenge the thoroughness of the investigation.
Cherry’s trial is scheduled to continue Nov. 10 before Judge Williams.
