After more than 14 months, jury selection is finally underway in the trial of a 46-year-old defendant.
Travis Cothran is charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, use of firearm during a felony violent crime, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm during a felony violent crime, handgun on person, handgun in vehicle, discharge any gun, pistol, and firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition for his alleged role in the Oct.29, 2024 non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 2100 block of East North Avenue.
Cothran was offered a 30-year plea deal in May, but rejected it, opting for a jury trial. The trial was then postponed twice, once for incomplete evidence discovery, and again for a lack of jurors.
Defense attorney Natalie Finegar requested a motion for the witnesses to be sequestered at the Jan. 21 trial, which was seconded by prosecuting attorney and then granted by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Hope Tipton. This is typically done to keep witnesses from influencing each others’ accounts.
On Oct. 29, police responding to a ShotSpotter triggered at the 1800 block of Collington Avenue determined the crime actually transpired on the 2100 block of East North Avenue. There, officers discovered a 35-year old victim lying on the ground with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the right leg. According to CCTV footage, a vehicle pulled up to the victim who was standing with another individual and opened fire, wounding the victim, before fleeing toward Collington Street.
The victim told police he was outside speaking with his cousin when he was suddenly shot and fell to the ground. However, he could not identify any witnesses or suspects at that time.
During a later photographic array compiled by police, the victim was said to identify Cothran as the suspect who shot him.
Opening statements are set to begin Jan. 22.
