Judge calls both suspects a danger to community in Cockeysville shooting, denies bond

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Two men accused in a Halloween night shooting in Cockeysville will stay in jail without bond as questions continue about what led to the violence.

WBFF has been following this case and learned more about the backgrounds of the two men.

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A judge decided 22-year-old Elias Bitar, who has two prior motor vehicle offenses, must remain behind bars because he posed a danger to the community due to the nature of the case.

The second suspect, 24-year-old Aaron Walker Jr., whose brother was shot and killed during the confrontation, did not use a public defender and instead spoke on his own behalf. He told the judge that he has no criminal record, works two jobs and is a hardworking man. Despite this, the judge ordered Walker Jr. held without bond, also calling him a danger to the community.

Retired police sergeant and law enforcement expert Betsy Smith weighed in on the hearing.

“One of the things that we have seen in Baltimore County is judges letting violent offenders walk free or just with an ankle monitor,” Smith said.

Court documents state the suspects went to the home with the intent to assault someone, but the homeowner was armed. Investigators said the shooting was not random.

“Well, it absolutely sounds like that this was a pre-planned attack and a pre-planned response on both sides,” Smith said.

Authorities also found suspected drugs inside the home, raising more questions about what led to the confrontation and why this specific home was targeted.

Smith said, “They need to be able to figure out why this victim, why this location and why now? Why that day?”

The gunfire erupted around 10:40 p.m. on Halloween night. Smith pointed out the timing added to the danger.

“So, having three masked men show up with firearms on this quiet residential street is concerning on any night of the week, but especially on Halloween night when children and party goers are likely to be present, that’s extremely frightening,” Smith said.

Both suspects remain in custody as the case advances, while investigators continue to seek answers about the motive and any connection to the suspected drugs found.