Before Baltimore City Circuit Judge Alan C. Lazerow a jury acquitted a 33-year-old homicide defendant on Oct. 24.
Martez Brooks was charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony-violent crime, firearm possession with a felony conviction and carrying and transporting a handgun. Brooks was accused of taking the life of 42-year-old Leroy Jeter III in connection to a July 4, 2022 shooting.
During closing statements the prosecutor asked the jury to consider the defendant’s running towards the crime scene, being present before the killing took place, and after allegedly running toward the victim.
Defense attorney Robert Cole’s closing statement focused on the nature of the victim.
He said he wanted to show who Jeter actually was. The defense claimed Jeter had a firearm loaded and ready to go. He said the gun had been fired 11 times.
Brooks is a now a free man.
