by Baltimore, MD – In a tragic case that shook the Federal Hill community, Alexis Cancel-Soto has been found guilty of the murder of 19-year-old bystander Cameran Holt. The fatal shooting occurred in 2024 during a chaotic shootout that claimed Holt’s life and left another man injured.
Cancel-Soto was convicted of multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted first-degree murder, illegal gun possession, and other firearm-related offenses—bringing some closure to those impacted by the devastating incident.
The Deadly Shootout in Federal Hill
On October 27, 2024, Cameran Holt was attending a family gender reveal party in Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood when she was struck by a stray bullet during a reckless exchange of gunfire. She died two weeks later, leaving her loved ones in mourning.
Authorities revealed that the shootout involved Cancel-Soto and two other suspects—Daeshaun Clark and Devontaye Richardson—who allegedly intended to shoot a specific target but instead caused unintended casualties.
- Cancel-Soto was one of three men charged after the shooting incident.
- Another man was injured in the crossfire besides Holt.
- The jury initially deliberated without reaching a verdict on the first day.
- Trials for Clark and Richardson are scheduled for the following month.
Legal Battle: Self-Defense vs. Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution argued that the night’s violence stemmed from an argument between Devontaye Richardson and a man driving a purple Dodge Challenger. Their dispute escalated to Cancel-Soto, Richardson, and Clark shooting at the departing vehicle, tragically hitting Holt in the process.
According to police, Cancel-Soto admitted to illegally carrying a firearm and running toward the danger during the confrontation.
However, Cancel-Soto’s attorney presented a self-defense argument, asserting that Cancel-Soto fired shots to protect others after being threatened by the man driving away. The defense emphasized that Cancel-Soto was fearful, had no prior intent to kill, and this was his first time firing a gun at a person.
“I do want peace, and today is that peace that I needed,” said Roxanne Spath, Cameran Holt’s mother, reacting to the verdict.
Despite the evidence presented, including Cancel-Soto’s admission of disposing of the weapon used, uncertainty remains about exactly who fired the fatal shot since the firearm was never recovered.
Key Evidence and Witness Testimonies
Significant evidence came from witness testimonies and video footage:
- A detective testified about video showing Devontaye Richardson arguing with a man driving the purple Dodge Challenger at a parking lot on West Hamburg Street.
- The former parking lot owner testified seeing multiple people armed at the location and intervening by asking those involved to leave.
- The driver of the Challenger reportedly left the lot and then returned, escalating the tension before the shooting.
This footage and eyewitness accounts played a crucial role in clarifying the chain of events leading to the tragic shooting.
For more detailed information about the case and ongoing trials, visit the original CBS News report.
What Comes Next for the Federal Hill Community?
As justice is served for Cameran Holt, the community of Federal Hill looks toward healing and accountability. With two suspects, Daeshaun Clark and Devontaye Richardson, awaiting trial, attention now turns to ensuring that the full truth of the incident is unveiled.
Key takeaways for the future include:
- The necessity of addressing gun violence and illegal firearm possession in Baltimore.
- The importance of witness cooperation and transparent investigations in violent crime cases.
- Continued support for victims’ families and community outreach programs to prevent similar tragedies.
The community, alongside law enforcement and legal representatives, hopes to prevent further loss and bring peace to those affected.
