On an autumn evening in Baltimore, Maryland, a street transaction turned fatal for Markel Benson. On October 12, 2015, the young man, who was 20 years old, was robbed while selling marijuana near the corner of 2300 W. North Avenue. A short time after the initial confrontation, in the 2100 block of Clifton Avenue, Benson was shot and killed as he sought to recover his stolen property.
The incident began around 6:40 p.m. when a group of men, including Deonta Douglas and another individual, approached Benson outside a restaurant with the intent to rob him. After they took his marijuana, cash, and phone, an angered Benson armed himself and went looking for the men who had robbed him. CCTV footage captured Benson and a friend walking, with Benson appearing to be carrying a gun, at approximately 6:55 p.m.
As Benson and his friend approached, Douglas reportedly alerted his accomplices, James Dorsey and Ameer Khalil Baker, telling them to 'line 'em up,' a street phrase for
shooting someone. Dorsey and Baker then ran up an alley. Dorsey fired three shots, one of which struck and killed Markel Benson. Baker's gun reportedly jammed and did not fire. The individuals involved then scattered and fled the scene.
In the subsequent investigation, several individuals were charged in connection with the robbery and murder. James Dorsey, also known as 'Boosey,' pleaded guilty to his role in the commercial robbery that resulted in Benson's death. Ameer Khalil Baker, Deonta Douglas, and an alleged getaway driver, Sim Redd, were also charged for their involvement in the criminal acts surrounding the death of Markel Benson.
