Trial Begins for Attempted Murder Defendant

By Eleni Christou [former] - October 16, 2023
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

Defendant Quinton Hillery appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kendra Y. Ausby on Oct. 16, at the beginning of his trial. 

Hillery, 34, is charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, firearm possession with a felony conviction, reckless endangerment, two counts of illegal possession of ammunition, possessing a firearm during a controlled dangerous substance offense and discharging firearms.

The charges are in relation to a non-fatal shooting on the 500 block of West Preston Street on Aug. 5, 2022. 

According to the prosecutor’s opening statement, Hillary and the victim share children with the same woman. The source of a possible bruise on one of the children deteriorated into an argument that included Hillery, the child’s mother and the victim. They began pushing each other, and the victim inserted himself, attempting to settle the argument and calm Hillery down.

Eventually, the prosecutor said Hillery left and when he returned allegedly shot the victim in the hand. She argued Hillery would have continued shooting if not for a malfunction in his gun. 

The prosecutor said, “The defendant was jealous, and his ego couldn’t handle being put in his place.” 

In response, Hillery’s defense attorney, James Sweeting III, asked the jury to “pay close attention to what is firm in the facts presented to you.” 

He told jurors to pay attention to any gaps or speculations in the testimony and if there are lingering questions the prosecution has not done its job in proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.