Baltimore Arrest Made in Downtown Homicide After Verbal Dispute

Baltimore law enforcement announced this week that detectives arrested Davahughn Johnson, 31, of Baltimore in connection with the deadly shooting of Charles Brothers, 32, that occurred in the early hours of December 28, 2025. Johnson was taken into custody on December 31 without incident in the 500 block of Saint Paul Street and transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility, where he was charged with First-Degree Murder.

The incident began at approximately 1:54 a.m. on December 28, when Southern District officers responded to the 100 block of East Cross Street after receiving a report of an unresponsive person lying in a parking lot. Paramedics pronounced the male victim deceased at the scene; homicide detectives then assumed control of the investigation. Police reports indicate the shooting occurred in a parking lot in the 1000 block of Light Street and followed a verbal dispute between the individuals involved.

The arrest closes an early chapter in the investigative timeline but leaves broader questions for residents and public officials about nighttime safety in the downtown waterfront area and public access to justice. The victim and the accused are both residents of Baltimore, underscoring the local nature of the violence and its direct effect on city neighborhoods that depend on safe streets for commerce and nightlife.

Homicide detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid prosecution and community healing. Tipsters can contact Homicide Detectives at 410-396-2100. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP or submit an anonymous text tip through the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website. Media relations contact information for the Baltimore Police Department is mediarelations@baltimorepolice.org and 410-396-2012.

As the case moves from arrest to potential prosecution, residents may expect updates from the police and court system about charges, evidence, and upcoming hearings. The investigation highlights the continuing role of community cooperation in homicide cases and the need for transparent communication between law enforcement and Baltimore neighborhoods seeking safety and accountability.