Judge Finds Man Guilty of Armed Robbery Following Fatal Shooting on Random Road in 2021

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A Baltimore City Circuit Court judge found homicide defendant Dorrell Jackson guilty in the murder of 21-year-old Amir Whyee, despite defense counsel’s arguments of imperfect self-defense.

Jackson was found guilty of first-degree murder, use of a deadly weapon with the intent to injure, and four weapons charges on Feb. 9 before Judge Ronald Silkworth. His sentencing is currently scheduled for April 13.

During his closing arguments, the prosecutor said the events leading up to the fatal shooting on Dec. 1, 2021, began with a separate “straight-forward robbery” on the 500 block of Random Road. Jackson followed another man, walked up to him, held him at gunpoint, and made the victim strip down naked. After taking everything from the victim, including his clothes, Jackson told the man to tell his boss to stop trying to kill him.

Jackson, who had been shot six months earlier, believed someone had a bounty on his head in fear the defendant would retaliate for a friend’s murder, the prosecutor explained.

“Less than five hours later and less than 50 yards away, the defendant pursues another young man,” the prosecutor continued. “Unfortunately, it didn’t go the same way.”

Unlike the other victim, Whyee refused to strip and Jackson shot him in the leg.

“He shot him first in the leg and then thought, ‘Should I let him live? No, he may be back tomorrow,’” the prosecutor proclaimed. “It’s not self-defense, it’s not fear. It’s just violence.”

Defense attorney William Buie III countered that Jackson did not commit first-degree murder but instead, voluntary manslaughter, as the crime was not premeditated. His client was also “definitely paranoid,” he added, referring to Jackson’s testimony on Feb. 8 when the defendant said his mental health issues and paranoia contributed to the incident.