Trial Begins for Aspiring Rapper Accused of Attempted Murder

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Counsel delivered opening statements before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Robert K. Taylor, Jr. on February 23 for 35-year-old attempted homicide defendant Jamal Piles.

Piles is charged with 11 charges, including attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, two counts of reckless endangerment, having a handgun on his person, having a loaded handgun on his person, having a handgun in a vehicle, having a loaded handgun in a vehicle and discharging a firearm in connection to a June 6, 2023, incident.

The assistant state’s attorney began by telling the jury that within the span of three minutes, Piles made several choices, which would prove his guilt. In addition, Piles made several moves after the incident to cover up his involvement, such as allegedly removing his clothing and throwing the gun used during the crime in a drain.

Piles’ attorney Amanda Savage countered by telling the jury that Piles and his wife were having the “perfect day” up until the events that led to his arrest.

According to Savage, Piles’ wife accompanied him to a business meeting to discuss his rapping career on the 1700 block of Mchenry Street, where their car was suddenly blocked by another vehicle. Savage told the jury that Piles had no time to think before he and his wife were shot at four times by the other driver, and he reacted by shooting back in order to protect himself and his wife.

Piles’ wife was shot in the head during the crossfire and tragically succumbed to her injuries.

Savage said Piles had no time to grieve before immediately being put in handcuffs.

In additio, the man accused of shooting Piles’ wife was in already in prison himself for his involvement in the incident and would not be available to testify.

The trial is set to last six days.

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