Jurors are deliberating murder and gun charges before Judge Anthony Vittoria in the case of Neri Hernandez, 30, after counsel delivered closing arguments regarding a fatal shooting that occurred on Shamrock Avenue on June 11.
Hernandez is charged with first-degree murder, firearm use, and having a gun on his person in connection to the incident, which occurred March 16, 2025 outside a row house on the 4300 block of Shamrock Avenue, killing Kendall Brown, 40
During closing arguments, the prosecutor highlighted ambiguities in the defendant’s claims.
A witness reported the dispute began about complaints the pair exchanged about who damaged their vehicles in a parking lot.
Footage from a Ring camera near the home showed Hernandez storming off the porch. Prosecutors say he then fired six shots at the fleeing victim. Brown was later pronounced dead at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Hernandez was later apprehended after evading U.S. Marshals.
Defense attorney Jerry Rodriguez claimed Hernandez’s actions were in self-defense due to Brown’s seemingly “bigger” and “stronger” appearance. According to Hernandez’s testimony, Brown pulled a gun on him first, but the defendant was able to grab it away.
The victim “bowed down,” Hernandez told the court. Hernandez previously admitted shooting the victim who was wounded in the back.
The state’s attorney challenged Hernandez’ account with footage from a responding officer’s body-worn camera, stating that Brown never had a gun. When investigators turned Brown’s body over footage showed he had his phone and keys in one hand and a bottle of milk in the other. “Who brings a bottle of chocolate milk to a gunfight?” the prosecutor asked the court.
The defense reiterated Hernandez acted in self-defense. “Sometimes you are forced to do it,” he told jurors. “It is okay to shoot someone. I hope you folks can see past that.”
In turn, the state’s attorney emphasized that “you can’t outrun a bullet.”
The verdict is pending.
