A trial is underway for one of five suspects charged in a shooting that killed one man and injured another at a birthday party in Aberdeen last year.

Tyjeir Cole, 19, of Aberdeen, faces 12 charges, including first-degree murder, as his three-week trial gets underway in Harford County Circuit Court.

“Mr. Cole adamantly maintains his innocence regarding this unfortunate set of circumstances. We look forward to finally getting this matter heard before a jury of his peers and we are confident that they will reach the correct conclusion and find Mr. Cole not guilty,” said Brandon Mead, Cole’s attorney, during opening statements.

Charging documents prepared by police allege that Cole and Bernard Lee, who was also charged in the murder, donned black North Face puffers and black ski masks as they approached two men early in the morning of Jan. 5 during a party in Aberdeen and pointed firearms in their direction.

Police say Jaylen Jackson attempted to wrestle the gun out of one of the suspect’s hands and gunshots were fired. Multiple shots struck Kylonne Taylor, 18, and he died at the scene, and Jackson was injured by a bullet to the foot.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene at 12:34 a.m. and took both Cole and Lee into custody without incident, court documents show.

The party occurred in the basement of an Aberdeen residence with roughly 15-20 people in attendance.

Four other suspects have been charged in relation to the shooting:

  • Lee was charged with murder, assault, reckless endangerment and firearms-related offenses. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 27 and a trial is slated for early March.
  • Amir Dorsey, 19, of Edgewood, was charged with murder and other charges. His trial is slated for May 5.
  • Ezri White, 21, of Bel Air, was charged with murder, assault, robbery and firearm-related offenses. His trial is set for Feb. 18.
  • Quinton Jackson, 19, of Edgewood, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to first-degree murder in mid-December. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Have a news tip? Contact Brendan Nordstrom at bnordstrom@baltsun.com or at 443-900-1353.