In the early hours of November 3, 2024, the life of 58-year-old Solomon Wise, a Black male, was tragically cut short on the 4200 block of Sheldon Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland. He was found at approximately 12:23 a.m. having suffered a fatal gunshot wound. The incident was later determined to be a homicide.
An investigation into the shooting led police to identify 37-year-old Jason Williams as a suspect.
Williams was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and several firearm-related offenses in connection with Wise's death. Further investigation revealed Williams' alleged ties to a drug trafficking group known as '4200,' which was reportedly involved in the sale of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in the areas of the 4300 block of Belair Road and the 4200 block of Nicholas Avenue.
During his trial in August 2025, Williams made the decision to dismiss his defense attorney and represent himself. The prosecution presented surveillance footage that they argued captured the incident, identifying Williams through his white shoes and a large backpack. Multiple police officers also identified Williams from the footage based on previous encounters. The prosecution contended that the video showed the suspect chasing and killing Wise. In his defense, Williams argued that the timestamps on the different video sources were inconsistent and that his face was not clearly identifiable. He also questioned the integrity of the police officers who identified him and suggested the medical examiner's report, which confirmed Wise was shot in the back of the neck at close range, was biased.
Despite the evidence presented, the trial ended in a mistrial. Following this, Williams appeared in court again and was granted a postponement to find a new attorney. A new trial was subsequently scheduled to take place in the following year.
