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By
Ziqi Zhou
- January 14, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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On Jan. 13, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kimberly McBride found a 38-year-old defendant not guilty of shooting himself in his genitals.
James Stackhouse was initially charged with firing and discharging of any gun, pistol and firearm, having a handgun on his person, firearm possession with a felony conviction and illegal possession of ammunition in connection to a July 19, 2024 incident.
During closing arguments on Jan. 13, counsel debated whether Stackhouse shot himself or was shot by another person.
“The only person who has reason to lie is Stackhouse,” said the prosecutor in closing statements.
The prosecutor pointed out inconsistencies in Stackhouse’s testimony, claiming he didn’t know what was going on. Stackhouse said the police were threatening him.
Stackhouse’s attorney, Andre Mahasa, said Stackhouse was telling the truth. She said he claimed he was shot by another individual and maintained the story in court and in his initial statements to police.
Mahasa said his client confessed to shooting himself only after he was surrounded by several police officers at the hospital.
Police never located a firearm.
Stackhouse was released from jail on Monday.