Three Co-Defendants Accused of Murdering Victim For $50

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Counsel delivered opening statements in the trial of three murder defendants before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer on April 2.

Charles “Sleepy” Bowen, 20, Davon “Dae Dae” Butler, 19, and an unnamed juvenile boy are charged in connection to the Feb. 20, 2024 shooting of 19-year-old Darcell Mitchell on the 800 block of W. Lexington Street. The juvenile was 17 at the time of the shooting.

“Darcell Mitchell lost his life over $50,” the prosecution told the court. “Bowen felt entitled…They weren’t going to take a no for an answer.”

The trio is accused of conspiring to commit the murder in an Instagram group chat.

A responding officer with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) testified that, upon arrival at the scene, he located two “girls” screaming. One appeared disoriented, saying she didn’t know what was happening, and the other advised she knew where the suspects live. The defense noted that the officer never responded to the witness’ offer to disclose the locations.

Defense attorney Daniel P. Mooney, who represents Bowen, claimed the prosecution’s key witness was drunk at the time of the incident and operating with impaired vision because she didn’t have her glasses.

The witness was later identified as Mitchell’s friend’s girlfriend. After the incident she called 911, allegedly fled and hid in a dumpster.

Her boyfriend also called 911 to request aid for Mitchell who is said to have died almost instantly.

The prosecutor allegedly used information obtained from Meta to identify and authenticate the suspects’ Instagram accounts and group chats, which involved arguments over money.

All three defense attorneys insist the messages are hearsay and should not be entered into evidence lest they mislead the jury.

Testimony is scheduled to continue.