Jury Selection and Opening Statements Begin for Attempted First-Degree Murder Defendant

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A 38-year-old Baltimore man accused of attempted murder had trial begin with opening statements on May 2 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Charles M. Blomquist.

Domonic White, is charged with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, use of a firearm during a violent crime, reckless endangerment, discharging firearms, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, and having a handgun on his person in connection to an incident on April 29, 2021.

During opening statements, the prosecutor declared that the video evidence which was obtained will support their argument. The prosecutor also mentioned that police officers who reported to the scene witnessed an unidentified suspect pointing a gun at the victim.

White’s defense attorney Roland Brown told the jury that the prosecutor has no physical evidence in the form of a gun, DNA, or video. Brown said that in such a case, the jury is obligated to find White not guilty.

The prosecution’s first witness was a detective who responded to the scene. The witness testified that he arrived at the scene and from his patrol vehicle, he could see an unidentified suspect hovering over the victim with a gun pointed in his direction.

The suspect then turned and noticed the patrol vehicle and fled the scene. Rather than pursue the suspect, the officer felt it was best to check on the well-being of the victim. The officer noticed the victim was suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper-left ear.

Upon canvassing the area, the officer noticed an abandoned vehicle which was still running, with a phone inside which was receiving constant calls.

During cross-examination, the officer could not recall whether there were other people at the scene. The officer said he was in a state of “tunnel vision” and could only focus on the victim. He also could not recall what his partner was doing during the time of the incident.

White’s hearing is expected to continue on May 3.