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Christopher Brown, 22, and Daran Horton, 23, both of Baltimore were found guilty of murder and other charges for their roles in the January 2020 murder of Cordelle Bruce.
On Jan. 14, 2020, Bruce was shot and killed in the 1100 block of East Belvedere Avenue in Baltimore City.
The investigation determined that Bruce, Brown, and Horton were at The Alameda Shopping Center in Baltimore, on the day of the shooting, where there was a botched marijuana sale, Frosh said.
After the failed sale, Bruce left the shopping center on foot, at which point Brown and Horton pursued him and shot him to death on Belvedere Avenue.
The two were found guilty following a four-day trial in front of Judge Paul E. Alpert of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
“These convictions are the result of the tireless efforts of all the involved agents, detectives, and officers,” Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said. "Continuing to identify, arrest and convict offenders and holding those who commit crimes accountable shows that building strong partnerships is a path to continued success.”
Brown was convicted of:
- First-degree murder;
- Use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence;
- Wearing/carrying/transporting a firearm;
- Possession of a firearm while under the age of 21;
- Possession of a firearm with a disqualifying conviction.
Horton was charged with:
- First-degree murder;
- Wearing/carrying/transporting a firearm;
- Possession of a firearm while under the age of 21;
- Possession of a firearm with a disqualifying conviction.
“Brown and Horton hunted the victim down and shot him dead in the middle of the street,” Frosh said. “In addition to the homicide, they were charged with illegal possession of a firearm
When they are sentenced later this year, both men will face life in prison.
“Where there is drug dealing, there are guns, and that is a volatile combination we see too often in Baltimore,” ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, said.
“Disagreements and botched deals being resolved with firearms perpetrate murder and violence. It creates offenders who lack regard for human life and the safety of communities
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