The attempted murder trial of Anthony Marion II resumed Jan. 30 in Baltimore City Circuit Court before Judge Althea M. Handy –that after jury selection was delayed days earlier due to a shortage of available candidates. Testimony centered on the credibility of the victim and his past relationship with Marion’s girlfriend.
Marion is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and five weapons offenses in connection to a Jan. 28, 2025 shooting that occurred on the 2700 block of Brendan Avenue in Belair-Edison. Prosecutors alleged Marion shot his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend while the victim was sitting in his car outside her home.
Prosecutors began by establishing the victim’s credibility and his connection to Marion, noting that both men were involved with the same woman, identified in court as the victim’s ex-girlfriend.
Defense attorney Robert Cole sought to undermine the victim’s testimony by highlighting inconsistencies in his earlier statements to police. Cole emphasized that the victim initially told officers he did not know who shot him and that the shooter wore a mask. The victim testified that he was incoherent, scared and delirious after being shot over six times, describing himself as “discombobulated.”
The victim told jurors he decided to testify to “do the right thing and get justice,” adding that his work with youth in the community influenced his decision to come forward.
Cole questioned the victim about his continued contact with his ex-girlfriend after the shooting. The victim admitted he stayed in contact to gather information about Marion and claimed she called him as well.
The defense raised the possibility of other suspects, naming multiple men who were also involved with the victim’s ex-girlfriend. The victim acknowledged that she was speaking with several men but testified that one of them was located in Virginia at the time of the shooting. He also stated that although he previously said the shooter wore a mask, he later became certain it was Marion after recognizing dreadlocks sticking out of a black-and-white North Face jacket.
Cole further questioned the victim about police access to his phone records and his practice of contacting other men who were involved with his ex-girlfriend. He also highlighted the victim’s behavior toward his ex-girlfriend, including repeated calls, following her, flattening her tires and the existence of a final protective order against him, which the victim said he is appealing.
Cole suggested the victim was motivated by jealousy and retaliation following a later altercation with his ex-girlfriend and accused him of attempting to isolate her from Marion. Then presenting a photograph the victim admitted to leaving on Marion’s car months before the shooting to “warn” him.
When prosecutors resumed questioning, the victim reaffirmed that Marion was the person who shot him and stated that while he was fearful of coming forward, he felt obligated to tell the truth. At one point, Marion appeared to laugh while the victim was emotional on the stand, prompting the prosecutor to address the behavior in front of the jury.
Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Monday. The courtroom was filled with Marion’s family. It was also revealed that Marion previously declined a plea offer of 25 years with probation.
