Man Accused in Domestic Shooting Rejects Plea, Opts For Trial

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On July 7, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland set a trial date for Darius Doles, 31, after his attorney rejected a plea offer from the prosecution.

Doles is charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm possession during a felony crime of violence and illegal possession of ammo in connection to a shooting on the 1400 block of Myrtle Avenue on March 9.

According to charging documents, at 9:56 a.m., Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers responded to the 700 block of Mosher Street for reported gunfire. Nearby cameras showed the suspect, later identified as Doles, traveling quickly from the 600 block of West Mosher Street to the 1400 block of Myrtle Avenue.

Police arrested Doles shortly after the incident and searched the area, where they found six 9mm casings. The victim later walked into a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound to his head; however, he was uncooperative and would not talk to detectives.

It was later discovered that the victim was the father of Doles’ girlfriend’s child.

During Monday’s proceeding, the prosecution offered Doles 40 years, suspending all but 20 years, for attempted first-degree murder and a consecutive ten years, suspending all but five years without parole, for firearm use in a felony crime. Defense attorney Jason Rodriguez rejected the offer hearing it for the first time.

Doles’ Hicks date is Nov. 25, but counsel agreed on a trial date of Oct. 14 before Judge Judge Hope Tipton. Under the Hicks rule, a defendant must be tried with 180 days of his first court appearance.

The police investigation is said to show the victim and Dole’s girlfriend had a verbal custody agreement. CCTV footage allegedly showed the victim’s car circling Dole’s residence and then quickly heading to 1400 block of Myrtle Avenue at the exact time of the shooting. Doles was allegedly seen going into the house and then quickly returning to his car.

The shooting was not captured on camera, but the victim and Doles were the only two people present at that time, charging documents state.