Jury selection began on Feb.18 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kendra Y. Ausby for a 2025 non-fatal shooting that occurred in the city’s Eastern District.
Durel Jones, 36, stands accused of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm use in a felony violent crime, and five other firearm related charges for his suspected role in a shooting that occurred last summer in East Baltimore.
Just before midnight on June 14, 2025, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers responded to a three-round ShotSpotter alert on the 2400 block of Sherwood Avenue. However, investigations failed to locate bullet casings. Less than 10 minutes after the alert, police were dispatched to Harford Road and E. 25th Street for an apparent shooting victim.
Upon their arrival at the 2300 block of Harford Road, officers located a 41-year-old man inside the Citgo Gas Station, suffering from a gunshot wound to his right thigh. Before being transported to John Hopkins Hospital for further treatment, the victim shared with police that he was shot at the intersection of Sherwood and Cliftview Avenues where officers were able to recover three 9mm casings.
Later, the victim recounted the events leading up to the shooting. He claimed he was walking along Sherwood and Cliftview Avenues when he heard footsteps and noticed two unknown individuals wearing all black clothing.
As the victim began to run, he heard multiple shots ring out and realized he had been shot. The victim’s statement to detectives is allegedly corroborated by recovered CCTV footage that captured the crime. Using still photos taken from additional CCTV footage, investigators were able to identify a person said to be Jones as the suspect.
Before jury selection began, the prosecution introduced a motion to admit additional video evidence that reportedly captured a fight involving Jones 11 hours prior to the shooting, to which defense attorney Karyn Ann Meriwether objected. The prosecution claimed the fight led Jones to retaliate hours later by shooting the victim at the intersection of Sherwood and Cliftview Avenues.
Judge Ausby ultimately admitted the footage to be shown at trial.
Opening statements are expected to begin Feb. 19.
