A jury is deliberating the case against shooting defendant Michael Reed , 23, after the prosecutor and defense attorney respectively claimed the incident was either attempted murder or self-defense in June 5 closing arguments.
Reed is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and several firearm offenses in connection to a July 10, 2025 shooting on the 1200 block of W. North Avenue. Reed and the other suspect, Wesley Spencer , 47, were arrested early July of last year.
Defense attorney Deborah Warner-Dennis motioned for acquittal on all charges arguing that the count of affray, or fighting in public, should be dismissed since Reed acted in self-defense. As well, the attempted first degree and second degree murder charges, since Warner-Dennis argued that the shooting was unintended.
According to the defense, if Reed truly intended to kill Spencer would have continued to pursue him after shooting rather than walking away.
For the charges involving a firearm, first degree assault and reckless endangerment, Warner-Dennis acknowledged that those counts could be supported if jurors determined that the masked shooter was Reed. However, Warner-Dennis said the prosecution, failed to prove that Reed was seen on surveillance footage.
The prosecutor countered that there was sufficient evidence to support every charge. For example, the charge for affray was appropriate because the shooting was in a public place threatening the safety of nearby bystanders.
Surveillance video showed a person said to be Spencer approaching Reed from behind and placing a handgun against the back of Reed’s head. Reed then appeared to knock the weapon away and flee the area.
The prosecutor also noted that Reed had the opportunity to retreat and disengage but instead chose to go after Spencer. As for the attempted murder charges, the prosecutor noted the surveillance footage ostensibly showing Reed weaving through cars while pursuing Spencer which shows there was ample time for reflection supporting the argument that the act was intended and premeditated.
Ultimately, .Judge Hope Tipton denied a defense motion for acquittal finding that there is legally sufficient evidence for all charges to be considered by the jury.
The jury began deliberating on June 8 .
