Opening arguments were heard March 25 in the trial of Anthony Berry, 20, a man charged with four counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault and three gun violations.
Charging documents state that Berry, who was a minor at the time, is suspected in a Feb. 18 2024 shooting that occurred outside a Krispy Krunchy Chicken location on the 400 block of S. Broadway.
The shooting left two victims injured. One was found inside his gray Acura TL, suffering from a graze wound to his chest. The other, who sustained injuries on his neck, arm, and rear, was found collapsed at the corner of South Broadway and Eastern Avenue. Berry is being tried as an adult due to the violent nature of the crime.
On Wednesday, prosecution walked jurors through the evidence they could expect to see trial, including doorbell camera footage, restaurant footage, text messages, social media activity and witness testimonies. The suspect, who was reportedly wearing a mask at the time of the shooting, was seen with three other masked individuals. The prosecution stated that the suspect’s clothing could be matched to Berry through recovered iPhone photos taken the day of the incident.
“It’s clear as day,” the prosecuting attorney remarked. “It will become clear to you that the person who tried to kill the victims was Anthony Berry.”
Defense attorney Natalie Finegar argued that the state’s cellphone tower evidence can produce inaccurate location data. Finegar added that the clothing recovered and previously mentioned by the state was a Fear of God Essentials hoodie, which is popular across Baltimore City. She concluded by saying that there would be no testimonies from the victims identifying Berry as the shooter, nor from any eyewitnesses.
“This case is very far from reasonable doubt,” she stated.
The lead detective involved in the case explained that at the scene, investigators fingerprinted a soda can and Gatorade bottle, recovered shell casings, and interviewed several victims.
The trial will continue on March 26 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge LaZette C. Ringgold-Kirksey.
