Trial Begins for Baltimore Man Charged with Fatally Shooting His Girlfriend and Burning Her Body

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“Convicting an innocent man for murder is not justice,” said defense attorney Brandon T. Taylor to a jury on April 11, the first day of trial for a man charged with the fatal shooting of Leandrea Sampson.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Taylor, who represents defendant Jermaine Jeter, addressed the jury with claims that Jeter was interested in “seeking justice and fairness” in relation to the murder of Sampson. Taylor went on to assert Jeter’s innocence until “sufficient” evidence is produced during the trial.

Taylor claimed Jeter was the victim of an “insufficient and incomplete police investigation,” alleging that the assistant state’s attorney compiled circumstantial evidence rather than physical evidence linking Jeter to the crime before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill.

During opening statements, the assistant state’s attorney reminded the jury of the facts of the case.

According to the prosecutor, on Oct. 23, 2021, Jeter spent time with Sampson, his girlfriend at the time, along with other acquaintances. The following day, a civilian discovered a burning vehicle on the 4900 block of Franklintown Road and informed the Baltimore City Fire Department.

Following opening statements, the assistant state’s attorney called their first witness – a member of the Baltimore City Fire Department. His testimony revealed that he was the civilian who contacted the Baltimore City Fire Department regarding the burning vehicle.

According to the Maryland Judiciary website, Jeter is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a felony violent crime, having a handgun in a vehicle, having a handgun on his person, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, second-degree arson, and first-degree malicious burning in connection to the murder of a 39-year-old Sampson.

This trial is scheduled to continue on April 12.