A Montgomery County man charged with murder after fatally shooting another armed man may have his charges reduced or dismissed after prosecutors have reviewed the evidence in the case. Larry A. Lamont, 27, was charged with first degree murder and the use of a handgun in a crime of violence after he shot and killed Marcus D. Duffin, 27, outside a Montgomery County residence.
After reviewing investigators’ reports, prosecutors are anticipated to reduce or dismiss charges against Lamont, who was cooperative with authorities and immediately waived his Miranda rights to confess to the killing. Lamont told police that he shot Duffin after Duffin pulled a handgun on a third, unarmed man. If the first degree murder case goes to trial, Lamont’s Maryland criminal lawyer could raise a “defense of others” argument, similar to a self-defense argument. Under Maryland law, a jury would acquit if they found that the defendant had a “reasonable belief that the third party was in imminent danger of bodily harm.”
Lamont, who turned himself in to authorities shortly after the shooting, was cooperative with police, telling them his version of the events. He claims that Duffin and the third man were arguing when Duffin pulled a handgun and pointed it at the other man. Lamont fired, striking Duffin in the upper body and killing him. Lamont fled but turned himself in at a police station a short time later. Authorities report that Lamont appeared contrite and helpful during his confession.
At Lamont’s bond hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Peter Feeney requested a delay while he reviewed the first degree murder charge, saying that the “viability” of the charges was questionable. Montgomery County District Judge Brian Kim granted a week’s delay for a review of the investigation and charges.
This article is presented by The Law Offices of David Benowitz, a criminal defense firm serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
