Tony Linton Thornton, a 38-year-old Baltimore man, was fatally shot on August 5, 2016, during a double shooting in North Baltimore. Reported as an innocent bystander, he was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital and died during a surgical procedure. Born March 1, 1978, Thornton is remembered by family as a hardworking father who was a positive influence on his nieces and nephews; his death left his family and community in shock and mourning, and they sought support to cover funeral expenses.

The Baltimore Police Department opened an extensive investigation, which faced early challenges because of a lack of eyewitnesses and concrete evidence. Investigators later identified potential suspects and arrests were made, and the case moved into court with multiple hearings as prosecutors prepared their evidence.