First-Degree Attempted Murder Defendant Found Not Guilty

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kendra Y. Ausby presided as the verdict sheet was read to the court. Attempted murder defendant Quinton Hillery was found not guilty of all the charges on Oct. 17.

Hillery, 34, who was represented by defense attorney James Sweeting III, was originally charged with first- and second-degree attempted murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, possession of firearms during a controlled dangerous substance offense, illegal possession of ammunition, having a loaded handgun on his person, having a handgun on his person and discharging a firearm.

Hillery was accused in connection to an incident that occurred on Aug. 5, 2022, when he allegedly shot a former partner’s significant other after a dispute. The incident occurred on the 500 block of West Preston Street.

During closing statements both the prosecution and defense contended with the fact that police could not find the weapon that was used in the shooting. Sweeting speculated that the victim could have accidentally shot himself and made up the story so as to not be charged with a crime himself. The prosecution showed video footage of what seemed to be Hillery carrying a gun to try to compensate for the lack of a weapon.

Notifications are not yet available for this specific case. Please check back later for updates. Thank you.