On November 21, 2020, 48-year-old Lezatte Jackson was found dead on the bathroom floor of a home on the 1200 block of North Woodyear Street in Baltimore. Medical personnel determined she had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the spinal cord. All doors to the residence were reported locked when the scene was discovered.

Nearly a year later, in October 2021, authorities arrested Cornelius Hayes, 45, identified as Jackson’s brother, and charged him with first-degree murder and two weapons offenses in connection with her death. Court proceedings described the opening of a jury trial on January 4, 2023. During opening statements, Hayes’ defense attorney said Hayes and his nephew were present in the house when Jackson died and suggested that another man, described as Jackson’s boyfriend and a frequent visitor who kept belongings at the home and may have had a key, could be involved.

What information might help clarify who had access to the house that day or explain how the locked-door scene occurred?