The attempted murder trial of Davontaye Watkins concluded on Tuesday, July 21. before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey M. Geller after a jury found Watkins not guilty of attempted first and second-degree murder but guilty of first-degree assault, multiple firearm-related offenses, and reckless endangerment while the charge of illegal possession of ammunition was dismissed.
Watkins, 29, originally faced eight charges including attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, handgun on person, firearm possession crime of violence, illegal possession of ammunition, and reckless endangerment stemming from a May 10, 2025 shooting on the 4800 block of Belair Road.
In opening statements, the prosecutor told jurors the trial would be brief, relying heavily on surveillance footage capturing the confrontation and shooting. The state argued that the video shows Watkins retrieving a gun from a vehicle, chasing the victim, and shooting him three times during a heated argument. The prosecutor emphasized that multiple cameras recorded the events before, during, and after the shooting and noted Watkins’ prior firearm charge.
Defense attorney Natalie Finegar countered that the state’s case lacked thorough investigation. She argued that numerous individuals present during the incident were never interviewed and that the state failed to address critical gaps in evidence. According to Finegar, the prosecution would not be able to explain what truly happened on May 10 because their evidence lacked context and completeness. She urged jurors to acquit Watkins, asserting the state could not meet its burden of proving attempted murder beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecutor reiterated that while arguments are common, shooting someone is not. The state pointed to clear still images and surveillance footage allegedly showing Watkins retrieving a gun and firing at the victim. The prosecutor said individuals in the video attempted to stop Watkins and that the footage matched identity flyers circulated after the incident.
Finegar responded that the state left too many unanswered questions. She noted that bullet casings were never tested and that the victim only participated in an eight minute hospital interview. She questioned why the victim was not brought in to testify and criticized the absence of footage from a bar across the street. Finegar argued that detectives failed to interview multiple people involved in the argument and that the state’s evidence was insufficient, again urging jurors to acquit Watkins of all charges.
In rebuttal, the prosecutor told jurors the defense wanted them to ignore common sense. The state acknowledged the weapon was never recovered but said the surveillance footage clearly shows Watkins shooting. The prosecutor emphasized the victim was unharmed before interacting with Watkins and that the video evidence provided a clear account of the shooting.
Watkins is scheduled for sentencing on October 9, 2026 before Judge Jeffrey M. Geller.
