Baltimore Man Acquitted of Attempted Murder, Convicted on Other Charges

Jury finds 22-year-old Antonio Mackey guilty on 7 counts related to downtown shooting incident.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:10pm

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An extreme close-up of a shiny metal shell casing on a dark surface, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash to create a stark, gritty aesthetic.Surveillance footage and physical evidence play a complex role in violent crime prosecutions, as seen in this recent Baltimore case.Baltimore Today

A Baltimore jury acquitted 22-year-old Antonio Mackey of attempted murder charges but convicted him on 7 other counts related to a downtown shooting incident last January that left the victim with a gunshot wound. Mackey's defense attorney argued the surveillance footage was unclear and there was a lack of witness identification, leading to the acquittal on the most serious charge.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges prosecutors can face in securing convictions for violent crimes, even with video evidence, when witness testimony and identification is lacking. It also raises questions about the role of surveillance footage and how it is interpreted in the judicial process.

The details

According to court records, the shooting occurred on January 29, 2025 on the 200 block of Clay Street in downtown Baltimore. Surveillance footage showed a masked man in a grey jacket becoming aggressive and pushing the victim, leading to shots being fired. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the hip. Police arrested Antonio Mackey, 22, and charged him with attempted murder, assault, firearm use, reckless endangerment and three gun offenses.

  • The shooting incident occurred on January 29, 2025.
  • Mackey was acquitted of attempted murder charges on March 12, 2026.
  • Mackey's sentencing hearing is set for April 20, 2026.

The players

Antonio Mackey

A 22-year-old Baltimore resident who was acquitted of attempted murder but convicted on 7 other charges related to a downtown shooting incident.

John Deros

The defense attorney representing Antonio Mackey, who argued the surveillance footage was unclear and there was a lack of witness identification.

Barry G. Williams

The Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge presiding over the case and who will decide Mackey's sentence.

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What they’re saying

“The surveillance footage was unclear and there was a lack of witness identification in the case.”

— John Deros, Defense Attorney

What’s next

Mackey's disposition hearing is set to proceed on April 20 before Judge Williams, who will decide his sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors can face in securing convictions for violent crimes, even with video evidence, when witness testimony and identification is lacking. It raises questions about the role of surveillance footage and how it is interpreted in the judicial process.