On Feb. 1, a non-fatal shooting defendant was denied bail by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey M. Geller.
John Eades, 31, is charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm possession with a felony conviction, having a loaded handgun on his person, firing a gun in Baltimore City, illegal possession of ammunition and two counts of reckless endangerment.
Eades’ defense attorney, Donald Wright, began by trying to humanize Eades to the judge. He mentioned that Eades was currently living in a Cockeysville apartment with his mother. His attorney also told the court that he had a daughter, earned a GED and had been working consistently since he left high school. Lastly, he mentioned that Eades has struggled with a diagnosed brain condition since 2016.
Wright then argued that the case was an issue of identification and asked the court to allow Eades to be released.
The prosecution rebutted, saying that identification was not an issue. He said Eades shot at someone who is pressing charges in a pending domestic violence case against Eades. The prosecutor stated that this was Eades’ second bail review and that he previously violated a peace order from the same person.
Wright countered, arguing that there are “legitimate challenges to the identification,” as the suspect’s face was covered with a bandana. Wright also urged the judge to not consider the prosecution’s claim that Eades violated a peace order since it was the first he heard of it and there was no evidence of a violation.
The prosecution disagreed about the description saying there was video footage of Eades entering his vehicle and putting the bandana on before the shooting.
The judge concluded no conditions of release would guarantee the safety of the public and the victim. Furthermore, even if Eades could afford home detention, the court would not approve it. Eades was denied bail and will remain incarcerated until his trial.
