Defendant provokes argument that leads to shooting, argues prosecutor

By Andrew Michaels
– 22 August 2024
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

Desmond Lark lost a fight and “he wasn't going to let it end with him on the ground,” a Baltimore prosecutor argued before a jury at the end of the 34-year-old attempted murder defendant's trial on August 22.

Baltimore District Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer presided over closing arguments Thursday morning as prosecutors reviewed the eight charges against Lark, including attempted premeditated and intentional murder, attempted manslaughter and first-degree assault, as well as several weapons offenses.

“This case is about someone who pointed a gun at him during a verbal argument,” the prosecutor said, adding that defense attorney Roya Hanna's argument that it was self-defense was incorrect.

On June 1, 2023, Lark lost an argument with a man outside a liquor store in the 5300 block of Frankford Avenue, the prosecutor said. The defendant returned to the store to retaliate, but not before going to his vehicle, where he said he kept his handgun. Inside the store, Lark allegedly instigated a fight by saying “come on, come on” and telling his alleged attacker and another man to come outside.

According to the prosecution, the incident was captured on video. The second man can be seen raising his hands in the air. Moments later, Lark shot the victim in the groin area.

“Self-defense is a diversionary tactic in this case,” said the prosecutor. Shooting a gun into the middle of a person's body is an attempt on that person's life, she noted.

In her closing statement, Hanna painted a different picture of the victim and said he had threatened [Lark] away.” The defense attorney reminded jurors that Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers already knew the victim because of his past as a drug dealer. Hanna also said that the victim actually had his arms outstretched, not raised, when he repeatedly told Lark to “give in.” [the victim] a reason” to shoot him.

After a three-day trial, the jury began its deliberations on Thursday morning.

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