The trial of Oba-Cinque Mitchiner, 40, concluded March 18 with closing statements presented before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Dana M. Middleton.
Mitchiner is charged with several counts of assault, handgun use and the attempted murder of his girlfriend last May.
Shortly before 2 a.m. on May 4, 2025, officers responded to two gunshots fired on the 4000 block of Belwood Avenue. The state claims Mitchiner shot at the victim while she was driving her vehicle, after the two had a dispute.
Mitchiner is prohibited from owning and using a firearm due to both a prior conviction and his lack of a permit. The state argued Mitchiner had ample time to reconsider when he shot his then-girlfriend, who testified she regularly saw the defendant with a firearm during the course of their relationship.
“She has no reason to lie,” the prosecution told jurors. “Mr. Mitchiner, on the other hand, has reason to lie.”
Both the defendant and victim claimed the other was not home when they were supposed to be. A lengthy call log was presented to jurors, revealing Mitchiner allegedly did not call the victim for 10 minutes after she was shot.
Defense attorney John Deros claimed Mitchiner’s then-girlfriend was operating under a misconception. He found it odd that the two would ever meet in person again after he allegedly shot her.
Deros contested the credibility of the state’s witnesses and argued the victim’s testimony failed to meet the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Deros concluded by asking the jury to find Mitchiner not guilty of all charges.
The jury is currently deliberating, and is expected to deliver a verdict later this week.
