Trial Begins for Man Accused of Shooting Girlfriend’s Boyfriend

By Andrew Michaels - January 4, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

“Some people cheat. Some people get caught. Some people get punished.”

This was the prosecutor’s summation of the case against homicide defendant Harry Cokley who began a jury trial on Jan. 4 for the murder of 33-year-old Morris Hood Jr.

During her opening statements, the prosecutor stood before the jury and explained how in February 2022, Hood went to his home on the 200 block of South Monastery Avenue where he found his girlfriend and her “side piece,” later identified as Cokley, engaging in sexual activity. After a brief argument, the prosecutor said, Hood left the home while his girlfriend and Cokley went upstairs and continued with sexual activity.

Hours later, Hood returned home, once again, went upstairs, and saw the couple having sex. Another argument broke out between Hood and Cokley, who then allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot Hood several times.

The prosecutor said the jury would hear evidence placing Cokley at the scene, including a pair of boxers, a white tank top, and shell casings.

Cokley’s defense attorney, James Sweeting III, told the jury that this was not just a case about sex, but about deceit and betrayal.

“What this is not a case of is Mr. Cokley committing murder,” Sweeting proclaimed, telling the jury that there was a party at the residence at the time of the shooting.

 “You’ll hear a couple of stories, but you won’t hear the truth,” he said.

Cokley’s trial continued Wednesday afternoon and resumed on Jan. 5 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Schiffer.