In the afternoon of May 25, 2024, a shooting incident in the 900 block of North Dukeland Street in Baltimore resulted in the death of 17-year-old Denzel Johnson and injury to another 15-year-old male. Baltimore Police officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert around 3:42 p.m. and discovered Johnson with a fatal gunshot wound. The second victim was also found at the scene with a gunshot wound. Both teenagers were transported to a local hospital, where Denzel Johnson was pronounced deceased.
The 15-year-old was treated for his injuries.
An investigation led by homicide detectives quickly identified suspects. On the same day as the shooting, police arrested 22-year-old Korey Hopson in the 3900 block of Stokes Road after he attempted to flee from officers into a wooded area. Hopson was subsequently charged with first and second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted first and second-degree murder, and assault. Another suspect, 27-year-old Charles Robinson, was also arrested and faced similar charges. The investigation revealed the shooting was a drive-by incident, and a white 2023 Nissan Rogue used in the crime was located by investigators.
The case against Korey Hopson and Charles Robinson proceeded to trial, where evidence presented included DNA, latent fingerprints, and GPS data from the rental vehicle. The prosecution argued that this evidence linked both men to the murder of Denzel Johnson. The defense attorneys contended that the mere presence of their clients' DNA in the vehicle was not sufficient to prove their guilt.
Ultimately, a jury found both Korey Hopson and Charles Robinson guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and related charges for the fatal shooting of Denzel Johnson and the non-fatal shooting of the other teenager. Following their conviction, Robinson faced a sentence of life plus 45 years, while Hopson faced life plus 35 years, with sentencing scheduled for January 8, 2026.
