The Maryland food delivery man accused of fatally shooting Meghan Markle Riley Lewis outside her apartment just days after Christmas 2023 was found guilty on a lesser charge, but was sentenced Wednesday for her murder. He was found not guilty.
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Brian Deren, 48, shot and killed Lewis in the parking lot outside his apartment building on December 27, 2023. He was convicted of second-degree assault and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, but was acquitted of first- and second-degree charges. Killed by jury after seven-day trial in Harford County Circuit Court.
According to an indictment seen by a local CBS affiliate, Deren told police he was delivering food to another resident of the apartment complex during an argument over Lewis’s misgendering. It is being WJZ-TV In January.
“Are you waiting for your food to be delivered?” Deren reportedly asked Lewis.
The two men exchanged heated words, and Deren got back in his car and drove away, but then stopped Lewis in the parking lot of an apartment complex and shot him, according to the indictment.
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Delen called 911, administered first aid and remained at the scene until police arrived. He admitted shooting Lewis but claimed it was in self-defense. Police transported Lewis to a local hospital, where he later died.
At trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing there was no argument between Deren and Lewis before the shooting.
“He just leaned out of the car and shot her,” prosecutors said in a statement from a local Fox affiliate witness. WBAL I will report it.
Harford County State’s Attorney Allison Healey expressed disappointment with the verdict but respected the jury’s efforts.
“Obviously, this is not the result we were expecting,” Healy said. “We stand by our assertion to the jury that the incident that claimed the life of Meghan Riley Lewis was definitely first-degree murder. We are disappointed and saddened by this outcome, but this We respect the jury’s decision in the case and its role in the judicial process.”
Healy promised that prosecutors would seek a sentence of 30 years, with no possibility of parole for five years.
Little was known about Deren before the trial, but his social media included many posts about firearms, including talk about his glock As an emotional support mechanism.
Lewis’ friends recalled her as “a very open, loving, sparkling person.” WJZ She helped found a patient support group for transgender people who came to the city seeking medical affirmation.
“She opened her doors, her heart, everything for LGBT people and was one of the strongest advocates for them,” one friend told the station.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
