Man Claims Self-Defense for Murder of Ex’s New Boyfriend

By Jordan Fine [former] - February 26, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

Closing statements were held in front of Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland Friday, Feb. 23, in connection to a December 2022 homicide. 

Darian McFarland, 34, is facing 12 charges: first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, committing a crime under threat of violence, three counts of firearm possession with a felony conviction, two counts of having a handgun on his person, two counts of having a handgun in a vehicle, rifle/shotgun possession with felony conviction and possession of bulletproof armor. connection to the killing of 28-year-old Michael Morrison. 

In closing statements, defense attorney James Gitomer said, “The testimonies of the state’s witnesses are unreliable.” He said, eyewitnesses who did testify were actually asleep while the crime was being committed, making it nearly impossible for them to know what actually had happened. Gitomer also added, “Where is the detective?” referring to the fact that the detective in the case had never testified. 

McFarland allegedly shot and killed Morrison for using foul language in front of his children. During the dispute, “The whole house was in chaos” said Gitomer, claiming that McFarland was acting in self-defense. The murder took place on the 1600 block of East Eager Street, in an apartment belonging to McFarland’s ex-partner, who Morrison was now seeing. 

The prosecution countered that “The defendant went into hiding. We know he didn’t want to be caught,” referencing McFarland not being located for almost a month. When his location and phone were found by detectives, the prosecution revealed text messages from McFarland allegedly referencing his crimes.