Opening arguments were delivered June 29 in the attempted murder case against 19-year-old Maliq Shelman before Baltimore City Circuit Judge Anthony F. Vittoria.
Shelman was charged with attempted murder, assault, firearm use, reckless endangerment, and multiple counts of conspiracy in connection to a Sept. 9, 2025 shooting investigation that left a teenager with a gunshot wound to the head.
According to charging documents, officers located the victim, who was 15 years old at the time, at St. Agnes Hospital.
During opening statements, the state’s attorney described the case as “a great tragedy” that began near the 3500 block of W. Franklin Street. The state alleged the victim was at the location with Shelman and another individual, and that the three were armed and firing at an unidentified person.
According to the state’s theory, Shelman accidentally shot the victim during the exchange in what prosecutors described as “friendly fire.” Shelman then reportedly left the victim at the scene.
The state further alleged that Shelman later returned to the area with an eyewitness to help transport the victim to St. Agnes Hospital. Investigators later located the black Acura used to transport the victim. Inside the vehicle, investigators recovered documents connected to the eyewitness.
Prosecutors argued that Shelman, who was allegedly known by the nickname “Leeky,” was the “missing link” in the case. They claimed investigators connected him to the shooting through video footage, phone records and statements made during the investigation.
Defense attorney Augustine Okeke argued in his opening statement that the state lacked sufficient evidence to convict Shelman. Okeke told jurors that prosecutors lacked a witness who could confirm Shelman committed the shooting. He further argued that the state lacked sufficient DNA evidence to connect Shelman to the incident. Okeke maintained Shelman’s innocence, calling the state’s argument “not even a close case” and arguing they had “nothing” against his client.
Charging documents state that during the exchange, one person in the group allegedly composed of Shelman and the witness was seen shooting the victim. The victim then fell to the ground. The three then fled on foot. The victim remained lying in the street for nearly two hours before being transported to the hospital.
Detectives later obtained DNA and cellphone-related warrants for Shelman.
On Sept. 25, 2025, detectives saw Shelman on the 3900 block of Woodridge Avenue. Police said Shelman ran when officers tried to detain him, and a Glock 33 .357-caliber handgun fell from his waistband during the chase. The next day, detectives received a ballistic lead connecting that handgun to .357-caliber shell casings recovered from the shooting scene.
Shelman’s trial is set to continue June 30 with additional witness testimony.
