Man found guilty of assault in fatal shooting of transgender woman outside Maryland apartment complex
BALTIMORE -- A Maryland man was convicted Wednesday for fatally shooting a transgender woman in the parking lot of her Bel Air apartment complex in January. according to the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office.
According to court records, 48-year-old Brian Delen was a food delivery driver and was delivering food to another resident of the Bel Air apartments.
After Delen arrived, 57-year-old Meghan Riley Lewis exited her home to look in the parking lot for a guest she was hosting for dinner, court records show. Lewis then approached Delen's car and said, "Stop. Stop right there."
According to a witness, Delen then leaned out of his car and shot Lewis.
County officials said Delen called 911, alleging that he had been attacked by Lewis. During that call, he told the dispatcher he was attempting to render aid to Lewis.
According to court documents, police found an undisturbed medical kit on the driver's seat of Delen's car.
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, Delen was found guilty of Second Degree Assault and Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Crime of Violence.
Court officials said that while they were disappointed about Delen receiving reduced assault charges, the state intends to seek the maximum penalty of 30 years.
"We stand by our arguments to the jury that the incident that took the life of Meghan Riley Lewis was undoubtedly a First Degree Murder," State's Attorney Alison Healey said in a statement. "While we are disappointed and saddened by the outcome, we respect the jury's decision in this case and their role in the judicial process."
Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.
