Trial Openings for Woman Shot Dead in a Crossfire

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The trial of a 23-year-old defendant began on Aug. 19 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeannie J. Hong.

Jason Johnson faces charges of first-degree murder, firearm possession with a felony conviction, attempted first-degree murder, reckless endangerment, affray, or fighting in public, and two counts of firearm use in a violent felony crime in connection with the June 6, 2023, murder of 46-year-old Kimberly Benjamin.

During opening statements, the prosecution said this was a “mutual shooting” in the middle of the street that killed an innocent woman. The other assailant, Jamal Piles, was Benjamin’s alleged partner, and was convicted for his involvement in the shooting and sentenced to 20 years earlier this summer.

According to previous reports, the defense argued Piles acted in self-defense, while the prosecution said Piles was the aggressor. Piles, a rapper and record label owner, arrived at the scene to negotiate being featured in a song, but after a shooter fired, he took a defensive position to save himself and his wife.

The prosecutor told the jury that once they would put the evidence and facts in order, video evidence would clearly demonstrate Johnson’s guilt.

The incident began with a confrontation between Johnson and Piles and shots were allegedly fired by both parties. Benjamin, who was in a passenger seat, was fatally shot in the head on the 1300 block of Booth Street.

Johnson’s attorney, Brandon Patterson, urged the jury in his opening statement to withhold judgment until all the evidence had been presented. Patterson advised jurors to pay close attention to the evidence.