Victim Shot at Shooter First in 'Anticipatory Defense,' Prosecutor Says at Defendant's Bail Review

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

A 20-year-old Baltimore man was denied bail on Jan. 12 for his involvement in a hit-and-run turned shootout on Frederick Road in May 2023.

During Friday’s bail review before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey M. Geller, a prosecutor argued that Cameron Cunningham continue to be held without bail after allegedly gunning down an engaged couple following a hit-and-run on the 3400 block of Frederick Road on May 26, 2023.

According to charging documents, the two victims were driving a silver Chevy Malibu on Caton Avenue and approaching Frederick Avenue when a white Acura SUV struck their vehicle and kept driving. The victims followed the driver who then stopped on Frederick Avenue, where both parties assessed the damage to the victims’ vehicle.

The prosecutor informed Judge Geller that the male victim saw the Acura driver—later identified as Cunningham—was armed and reaching for something in his waistband. Believing he was about to be shot, the victim then fired a single gunshot “in an anticipatory defense,” the prosecutor explained, after which Cunningham began driving away and firing more than 20 shots at the victims.

The male victim was not injured; however, his fiancée suffered a graze wound to the right side of her head, court documents state.

Defense attorney Martin Cohen said on Friday that there was “no credible identification of his client.” Court documents state that both victims were presented a photo array to identify the suspect, but were not “completely sure” if they recognized any of the potential suspects.

Despite Friday’s outcome, Cohen remained adamant that his client was not the shooter.

The defendant is currently charged with two counts of first and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment as well as firearm use in a felony or violent crime, having a loaded handgun on his person and in a vehicle, being a minor in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, firing a gun in Baltimore City, having a handgun in a vehicle, failing to stop at an accident and driving without a driver’s license.

Cunningham’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 29.

Victim Shot at Shooter First in ‘Anticipatory Defense,’ Prosecutor Says at Defendant’s Bail Review