Jury selection began on Nov. 2, in the trial of Javon Rivers, 42, for the alleged first-degree murder of Donte Bazemore, 31, before Judge Yolanda Tanner in Baltimore City Circuit Court.
Rivers stands accused of first-degree murder, firearm use in the commission of a violent felony, and having a handgun on his person for a shooting that occurred on Dec. 18, 2024. The victim was found on the ground by Baltimore City Police (BPD) officers with a gunshot wound to his chest, on the 2600 Block of East Chase Street. He was taken to a hospital, but passed away.
According to charging documents, detectives were able to identify Rivers as the suspected shooter through surveillance footage, and found two .9mm shell casings and one projectile. He was later arrested on the 2100 block of Harman Avenue on January 20, 2026.
The defendant is represented by William Porter.
Jury selection is expected to finish and testimony to begin on Nov. 4th.
