‘He Repeatedly Said It’s Not Him,’ Defense Attorney Tells Jury During Opening Statements

By Shelby Meek [former] - June 21, 2024
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

On June 20, parties began opening statements debating whether a 19-year-old defendant was the shooter during an incident over a year ago on the 2600 block of Greenmount Avenue before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Alan C. Lazerow. 

Rito Cox III is charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, possession of a firearm as a minor, illegal possession of ammunition, having a handgun on his person and firing a gun in Baltimore City. 

“He told the police multiple times saying it wasn’t him. He repeatedly said it’s not him,” defense attorney Matthew Connell said.

Before the trial began, Cox pleaded guilty before Judge Lazerow to possession of a firearm as a minor. He was sentenced to serve three years, suspending all but time served. He must also serve five years of probation. 

Connell said there are no witnesses who can say that it was Cox who shot the victim on June 15, 2023. He also stated the suspect in the camera footage was wearing a hat, making it difficult to identify the suspect.

Connell said Cox was a lead suspect because of the prosecution and Baltimore Police Department (BPD) detectives said camera footage showed him allegedly getting into a vehicle that was reported stolen on June 4, 2023. The vehicle was later found near Cox’s residence. 

According to charging documents, officers responded to a call reporting a shooting on June 15, 2023. The victim walked into the hospital after being shot in the abdomen while having an argument with Cox. Officers recovered a shell casing at the scene of the crime.

“Not only did Cox shoot the victim, he also chased the victim and is seen running into the nearby store, with his hands up, away from the suspect,” the prosecutor said.

“The victim did not almost die. He walked to the hospital and reported the crime,” Connell argued. 

The remaining testimony and closing arguments are slated to resume on June 21 before Judge Lazerow.