A 29-year-old man accused of shooting at an unidentified victim during a group fight at Jake’s Skatepark earlier this year opted for a jury trial on July 22, rejecting the prosecution’s plea offer.
Julian Davidson was offered a plea of 30 years, suspending all but 12 years, for attempted second-degree murder and a concurrent five years without parole for using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence during Baltimore City Circuit Court’s reception court. Defense attorney Jason Miles rejected the offer on his client’s behalf, which was presented by a stand-in prosecutor before Judge Melissa K. Copeland.
Counsel confirmed all video discovery was sent and received; however, the stand-in prosecutor added she would follow-up with the trial prosecutor to ensure there were no additional documents or written reports.
Miles also informed the judge that he filed a motion to suppress evidence that was not specifically discussed in open court, but the issue was scheduled for Aug. 7 before Judge Piper F. McKeithen. Counsel also agreed on a three-day trial, beginning Oct. 1, before Judge Yolanda A. Tanner.
The defendant’s charges of attempted murder, assault and several weapons violations come after his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the skatepark on the 600 block of Light Street on Feb. 28. According to charging documents, Baltimore Police recovered video footage from the Maryland Science Center that showed a fight break out between multiple people at 7:23 p.m., with officers responding three minutes later.
In the video, Davidson is allegedly seen fighting within the group before walking away and returning with a black bag. Court documents state the defendant then pulled out a handgun and fired at a male victim. Police noted in the report that a muzzle flash was visible in the video and that the victim was seen “flinching, ducking, and fleeing” when Davidson allegedly fired the gun.
Police searched the 1000 block of Light Street where they found Davidson and others with him on the sidewalk. The defendant likely matched the description of the suspect, including a black backpack and skateboard, and told police he was at the skatepark.
After further investigation, court documents state, Davidson identified himself to police as the individual in a photo taken from the recovered video footage and reportedly admitted to firing a handgun in an alleyway as he was running away.
