Man Denied Bail in Fist Fight Turned Shooting

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

A Baltimore man was denied bail on March 11 in connection to a fist fight turned shooting nearly a year ago.

Antonio Williams, 36, returned to bail review for the second time on Friday before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Charles J. Peters when his defense attorney, Shomari Taylor, requested his client be released on bail given the limited evidence connecting him to the crime.

Williams is facing charges of attempted first and second-degree murder, first-degree assault as well as several firearms charges for allegedly shooting a 26-year-old victim on the 4100 block of Amos Avenue on March 27, 2021, after a fist fight. Video surveillance then showed the suspect drive away.

The defendant previously rejected a plea of 30 years, suspending all but 20 years, for first-degree attempted murder, and five years without parole for the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime, to be served concurrently last October.

On Friday, Taylor argued that no gun was ever recovered and no search warrant was executed at Williams’ home. Baltimore Police Department officers also searched the defendant’s vehicle, he said, but did not find a weapon.

“The only evidence is the video that shows someone shooting the victim,” said Taylor, who noted that the license plate number was not visible in the footage.

The state’s attorney reiterated the facts of the case and recommended Williams continue to be held without bail.

Based on the evidence presented, Judge Peters denied Williams’ bail.

According to the Maryland Judiciary website, Williams is next scheduled to appear in reception court on April 26.