In the early morning hours of June 15, 2022, a young man's life was tragically cut short on a Baltimore street. Kevin L. Moody, a 21-year-old Black male, was discovered at approximately 6:06 a.m. in the 2200 block of Ashton Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel transported him to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal.
Moody was remembered by his mother as someone who loved life and enjoyed exploring the city on his bicycle.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led Baltimore Police to identify two suspects through the use of CCTV footage from the area. The video evidence allegedly showed two individuals chasing Moody down the street before shooting him four times. The suspects were identified as Antonio Purisima, 21, and Jerritt Barron. Authorities suggested that the motive for the murder may have been related to animosity Purisima held towards Moody, believing Moody was involved in the previous murder of Purisima's friend. The incident took place in an area known for drug activity.
In August 2022, Antonio Purisima was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and various firearm offenses in connection with Moody's death. Later, Jerritt Barron was also taken into custody and faced similar charges. The legal process for both men moved forward, culminating in convictions for their roles in the murder of Kevin Moody. On November 27, 2023, Antonio Purisima pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. He was subsequently sentenced to a life sentence with all but 61 years suspended, to be followed by three years of probation.
Jerritt Barron's case went to trial, and on November 30, 2023, after a jury deliberated for just over an hour, he was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, and illegal possession of a firearm. He was later sentenced to life in prison plus 35 years for his involvement in the crime.
