During Closing Arguments, Defendant Accused of Shooting an Innocent Bystander

By Sophia Amoroso - April 20, 2024
Attempted Murder | Court | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting |

In their closing argument before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Judge John A. Howard on Jan. 16, the prosecution claimed that Damian Palmer attempted to take the life of an innocent bystander who was standing near his car. 

Palmer, 50, was accused of shooting “an innocent person who was minding their business.”

He is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm possession with a felony conviction, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, having a gun within 100 yards of a public place, having a handgun on his person and in a vehicle and firing a gun in Baltimore City in connection to the incident on the night of March 25, 2023.

According to the prosecution, the suspect was identified by CCTV in the area near the 7200 block of Harford Road and inside of Freddie’s Sports Bar and Grill. Officers of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) recognized Palmer from prior interactions and interviews.

Exiting the bar, Palmer allegedly had a confrontation with the victim asking something to the effect of, “What are you doing near my car?” before shooting him. 

Defense attorney James Sweeting III claimed there was a lack of evidence in the case. He encouraged jurors to ask themselves if the evidence was ”firm and obvious.” He explained that the prosecution had no real physical evidence that Palmer was responsible for the shooting.

The jury later found Palmer guilty of attempted first-degree murder.