Man Accused of Killing Cousin Denied Bail

By Andrew Michaels - June 3, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A 24-year-old Baltimore man accused of his cousin’s murder will remain held without bail after a Baltimore City Circuit Court judge deemed him a threat to himself and the community on June 3.

According to the prosecution, Dayquan Lawson and his cousin were arguing on Dec. 30, 2021. As Lawson was leaving, he then pulled out a handgun and shot his cousin twice, hitting him once in the head.

The defendant, who has no prior criminal history, then left the scene and was later arrested by SWAT.

Lawson is charged with second-degree murder and firearm use in a felony violent crime.

During Friday’s bail review, defense attorney Roland Harris informed the court that there were two witnesses at the scene on the day of the shooting. While one witness has said he did not see anything, another witness “described a clear case of self-defense,” Harris said, adding that Lawson’s cousin also had a weapon.

“This is a clear case of self-defense, and at this point in time, I really don’t understand why he continues to be charged with this,” the defense attorney said, citing one of the witness’ statements.

The prosecution accused Harris of “cherry-picking facts” from the witness’ statement.

Judge Jeannie J. Hong expressed her concern for Lawson’s mental health as well as the witnesses who she said could be at risk of coercion.

“The cousin is dead as a result of this fight,” Judge Hong said. “At this time, I cannot grant bail.”

Lawson is next scheduled to appear in court on June 24 for a pre-trial conference, followed by a reception court hearing on Aug. 16, according to the Maryland Judiciary website.

The prosecution said Lawson’s trial is scheduled for October.