Homicide Defendant Was Working at Time of Shooting on North Fulton Avenue, Defense Argues

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An argument between Robert Davis and Sean Melton Jr. on June 24, 2019, turned fatal on Ruskin Avenue. Both men went their separate ways, but Davis was found fatally shot on the 2300 block of North Fulton Avenue later that day.

On March 29, Melton’s defense attorney, Linda Zeit, argued that not only did no one see the shooting, but the defendant was also at work at the time of the incident.

The 30-year-old defendant’s jury trial began on Wednesday with opening statements before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Christopher Panos.

“Mr. Melton had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to Mr. Davis back on June 24, 2019, and the [prosecution] will not present any solid evidence to say otherwise,” Zeit told the jury.

In addition to the defendant and the 43-year-old victim, a woman, and her friend were also present during the men’s argument. According to defense counsel, the jury will hear that Davis was arguing with someone who worked maintenance for the Department of Public Works, calling the person names, being belligerent, and accusing the person of stealing his bicycle.

However, the woman told police that the alleged argument was not serious and no one made any threats. Melton was arrested the following day, having informed police that he was at work at the time of the shooting.

Earlier in the proceeding, the prosecutor told jurors that while Melton claimed to be at work, the jury would hear from his manager, who says the defendant wasn’t scheduled to work until 2:30 p.m., with the shooting occurring around 1:15 p.m. The defendant was also late to work, she added.

A witness, video surveillance footage, and a license plate reader also place Melton’s vehicle, a red Dodge Avenger, on North Fulton Avenue. The prosecutor noted that the video footage shows the vehicle pulling into the area and someone getting out of the driver’s seat, shooting Davis, and then driving away.

Melton’s trial is expected to last four days.