Trial begins for woman shot in crossfire

By Ziqi Zhou
– 20 August 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Murders | Shootings | Victims |

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

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

In opening arguments, prosecutors said it was a “mutual shooting” in the middle of the street that killed an innocent woman. The other attacker, Jamal Piles, was Benjamin's alleged partner and was convicted for his involvement in the shooting and sentenced to 20 years in prison earlier this summer.

According to previous reports, the defense argued that Piles acted in self-defense, while the prosecution claimed Piles was the attacker. Piles, a rapper and record label owner, arrived at the scene to negotiate his appearance on a song, but when a gunman fired, he took a defensive position to save himself and his wife.

The prosecutor told the jury that once they sorted out the evidence and facts, the video evidence would clearly prove Johnson's guilt.

The incident began with a confrontation between Johnson and Piles, during which both sides reportedly fired shots. Benjamin, who was in the passenger seat, was fatally shot in the head in the 1300 block of Booth Street.

In his opening statement, Johnson's attorney Brandon Patterson asked the jury to wait to reach a verdict until all the evidence had been presented. Patterson advised the jury to pay close attention to the evidence.

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