Baltimore Jury Acquitted Man of First-Degree Murder
A jury found Jermaine Reed guilty of firearm offenses but not guilty of the murder of Dwaun Hawkins.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Violence
A Baltimore City jury acquitted 26-year-old Jermaine Reed of first-degree murder following the 2025 shooting death of Dwaun Hawkins. Reed was found guilty of two firearm-related charges, though jurors remained deadlocked on a third count.
Why it matters
The trial centered on conflicting accounts of the incident, with prosecutors alleging the shooting stemmed from a family dispute and the defense claiming it was self-defense. The verdict highlights the legal complexity of cases involving both murder charges and specific firearm possession laws.
Jermaine Reed was found guilty of firearm possession with a felony conviction and carrying a loaded handgun. He is currently awaiting sentencing following the jury's decision on September 17, 2026.
The players
Jermaine Reed
He is a 26-year-old man who stood trial for the murder of Dwaun Hawkins.
Dwaun Hawkins
He was a 43-year-old victim who died following a shooting on Elsinore Avenue.
The details
Police discovered the victim, 43-year-old Dwaun Hawkins, with multiple gunshot wounds on the 2400 block of Elsinore Avenue after responding to reports of gunfire. Investigators recovered eight .38-caliber shell casings and mail at the scene to build their case against the defendant.
Timeline
Dec. 18, 2025: The shooting occurred on the 2400 block of Elsinore Avenue.
Sept. 17, 2026: The jury delivered verdicts on murder and firearm charges.
Oct. 16, 2026: Jermaine Reed is scheduled to be sentenced.
Legal Context
This case reflects the ongoing enforcement of state statutes regarding firearm possession for those with prior felony convictions. The guilty verdict follows a pattern established by Maryland firearm possession statutes.
The resolution of this case brings the trial process to a close for the local community near Elsinore Avenue. Residents can expect the legal proceedings to conclude during the upcoming sentencing hearing in October.
The takeaway
While the jury acquitted the defendant of murder, the guilty firearm verdicts indicate the legal consequences of being in possession of a weapon as a convicted felon. This case serves as a reminder of how evidentiary details like shell casings can heavily influence trial outcomes.
What happens next
Jermaine Reed is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 16, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Baltimore Witness.
