Christian Leight

In the early morning hours of September 21, 2024, a dispute in a Baltimore alleyway escalated to gunfire, ending the life of 24-year-old Christian Leight. The fatal encounter unfolded around 1:45 a.m. in the 1100 block of Marshall Street in the Federal Hill neighborhood, near Mugshots Bar. Surveillance footage from the area captured a fistfight between two individuals before a third person produced a gun and opened fire.

Christian, a White male, was struck by the gunfire. He was seen on video running from the alley before collapsing on nearby Cross Street. Officers on foot patrol heard the shots and responded to the scene. Christian was rushed to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 2:23 p.m. that day. A medical examiner later confirmed the cause of death was homicide resulting from gunshot wounds.

In the wake of the shooting, a memorial of flowers and candles grew on the corner of Marshall and Cross streets as those who knew him gathered for a vigil. One person who saw the crowds gather remarked that Christian "looks like he was well loved." The incident shook the neighborhood, prompting a community crime safety walk and leaving residents feeling unsafe.

Investigators with the Baltimore Police Department launched an investigation, releasing surveillance images to the public in an effort to identify those involved. Aided by anonymous tips from the community, their efforts led to a breakthrough in the case. Police identified 24-year-old Dallas Bishop as the alleged shooter.

Bishop was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, and having a loaded handgun on his person. According to charging documents, video evidence allegedly shows Bishop shooting Christian multiple times and captures him before, during, and after the incident. In July 2025, prosecutors offered Bishop a plea deal for a 40-year sentence, which he rejected. Following a mutual agreement between the prosecution and defense, his trial in Baltimore City Circuit Court was postponed. As of July 2025, the trial was scheduled to begin on December 15, 2025.