BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – A homicide trial reached its conclusion on March 15 in Baltimore City Circuit Court. The case involved defendant Keith Taylor, a 44-year-old individual facing charges of first-degree murder and firearm use in a felony violent crime. Assistant State’s Attorney characterized the case as one centered around vigilante justice. Representing Taylor was attorney Brandon Taylor, who defended his client against multiple charges including having a handgun on his person and possessing a firearm with a felony conviction.
Taylor, the owner of Yasmeen’s Automotive, grew frustrated with street crime and frequently stayed overnight at his shop to protect his property. On April 18, 2020, Taylor allegedly shot and killed Jazzwind Kasif Fulton, a 23-year-old who, along with another individual, attempted to steal catalytic converters from the business.
During the trial, the prosecution reconstructed the details of the case, presenting surveillance footage and witness testimonies. Taylor’s ex-wife testified that she had seen him wearing clothing similar to what the suspect in the video was wearing, including an orange pullover and gloves. The prosecution argued that Taylor had layered up, wearing baggy black pants over shorter blue ones, and slowly discarded the clothing while walking back from the location where the victim’s body was discovered.
In response, the defense claimed that the person accompanying Taylor during the incident was the real perpetrator and not Taylor himself. The defense team also attacked the DNA evidence presented, arguing that it was inconclusive. Samples taken from the suspect’s jacket initially matched Fulton, but a retest did not confirm the findings. Additionally, the defense criticized an amateur detective’s testimony and questioned the prosecution for failing to explore other potential suspects.
Throughout the trial, the defense attempted to undermine the credibility of Fulton’s ex-wife by highlighting her possible motive for revenge, as Taylor had filed a protective order against her. The prosecution, however, urged the jury to consider the defendant’s suspicious actions, such as changing his cell phone number and carrier on the same day a detective requested his phone number.
As the trial concluded, Judge Yolanda A. Tanner presided over closing arguments, leaving the final decision in the hands of the jury. The outcome of the trial remains pending at this time.