Cancel-Soto found guilty of murdering bystander in Baltimore shootout

In October 2024, in Baltimore's Federal Hill area, a tragic shootout occurred resulting in the death of 19-year-old Cameran Holt, who was merely a bystander. The incident unfolded when Alexis Cancel-Soto and his co-defendants, Devontaye Richardson and Daeshaun Clark, allegedly engaged in an altercation with another man near a parking lot. Surveillance footage captured the escalating tension as Richardson argued with the man driving a purple Dodge Challenger. As the situation intensified, Cancel-Soto and his companions drew their weapons, leading to a barrage of gunfire that ultimately struck Holt, who was uninvolved in the conflict. Despite some claims of self-defense, evidence indicated that Cancel-Soto had previously admitted to discarding the firearm used in the shooting, raising critical questions about responsibility and intent. The prosecution's case revealed that Holt was shot by a stray bullet during this reckless engagement. Holt's mother, Roxanne Spath, attended every day of the trial, seeking justice and peace over the loss of her daughter. Following deliberations, a jury found Cancel-Soto guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted first-degree murder of another man, illegal firearm possession, and other charges. As Cancel-Soto awaits sentencing, the remaining suspects, Richardson and Clark, are preparing for their trials set to begin next month. The unfolding legal proceedings underline the complicated nature of gun violence and its implications on innocent lives caught in the crossfire.