Opening Statements in an Attempted Murder

By Mya Wesley [former] - December 2, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Suspects |

Despite the prosecution’s evidence in a shooting, defense attorney Martin Cohen said his client is innocent during opening statements on Nov. 30.

Devontay Reed, 33, is  charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, four counts each of first- and second-degree assault, three counts of reckless endangerment, five counts of use of a firearm in a felony violent crime, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, illegally possessing a regulated firearm, having a loaded handgun on his person, having a handgun on his person, having a gun within 100 years of the public, firing a gun within Baltimore City and illegally possessing ammunition. 

“Even though the prosecutor is showing you all evidence for the when, where, and what. He can’t show you all the who in this case,” said Cohen.

“I’m going to show you all the evidence of this case proving that Devontay Reed is guilty,” the prosecutor said.

According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, on Jan. 25, officers at the Eastside District Courthouse were approached by a victim who explained that he had been shot numerous times while inside his vehicle with his girlfriend and two children.

The victim told officers that he was traveling westbound on the 1600 block of East Oliver Street, where units later discovered five shell casings. With the help of private cameras, Reed was later identified as a suspect.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Yolanda A. Tanner is presiding over the trial.