Annapolis Mass Shooting Case Ends in Mistrial

The three week trial against the alleged gunman charged with killing three men during a mass shooting in Annapolis has ended in a mistrial.  

An Arundel County Circuit Court judge today declared a mistrial in the case of Charles Robert Smith. According to mdcourts.gov, a mistrial is defined as a trial that has been terminated and declared void due to prejudicial error in the proceedings or other extraordinary circumstances.

In a statement to Report Annapolis News, the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office said: 

"This was a thorough, professional, and hard-fought case by the prosecution and defense. The State will try this case again and seek justice for the victims." 

The public defenders who represented Smith has not yet responded to requests for comment.

According to court records, prosecutors previously filed a notice with their plans to seek a life sentence without the possibility of parole against Smith, 45. Prior to the mistrial, Smith faced murder and hate crime charges following the fatal shootings of Mario Antonio Mireles-Ruiz, Christian Marlon-Segovia and Nicolas Mireles on the night of June 11, 2023.  

Charging documents indicate that Smith was reportedly found at the front door of his home with his hands up, surrendering, as officers arrived on the scene in the 1000 block of Paddington Place.

Smith had been indicted on more than 40 crimes, including 3 felony hate crime charges and 3 counts of first degree murder. 

The preliminary investigation determined that one of the deceased victims, Mario Mireles, who lived just a few doors down from the Smith, was having a large party, and many cars were parking on the street. Nearly 15 minutes before shots were fired, Mr. Smith’s mother made a parking enforcement complaint, stating that one of those vehicles were blocking the driveway to their home.  

Court documents say Mario Mireles reportedly went next door to discuss the parking issue. Mr. Mireles reportedly argued with Smith's mother before Smith returned home and confronted Mr. Mireles "The argument between Mr. Smith and Mr. Mireles escalated and Mr. Smith displayed a gun. Mr. Smith and Mr. Mireles tussled over the gun before Mr. Smith shot Mr. Mireles and one of the three surviving victims," investigators allege.  

Smith then allegedly stood over top of Mr. Mireles and shot him several more times. 

"While witnesses on the scene were attempting to render aid to Mario Mireles, Mr. Smith retreated into his home and began to fire out of the window with a rifle at them. While shooting from inside of the residence, Mario Mireles’ father, Nicholas Mireles, was also shot and killed," the documents say. "Three other witnesses to the shooting were also shot, one later becoming the third victim to die on the scene. "

Christian Marlon Segovia, 25, of Severn, was identified as the third person killed during the incident. 

There was no evidence on the scene that would suggest any of the victims were armed at any time, sources say. 

According to an online tribute, Mario Mireles, 27, and Nicolas Mireles, 55, were amazing dads, always willing to help, they always brightened up the room. "Mario leaves behind a pregnant wife and 3 beautiful children. Nicolas Mireles leaves behind a wife, 10 children and grandchildren. We are deeply saddened and hurt about this," the tribute said. "They were brutally murdered over a parking spot while we were celebrating Mario’s brother's birthday."

According to an obituary, Mario Mireles was an entrepreneur, business man, and leader. "He started his mobile detailing business four years ago. He wanted to provide a better future for his family. His company wasn’t just an everyday job; he truly enjoyed what he did," the obituary said. 

An online profile said Nicolas Mireles leaves behind a wife, 10 children and grandchildren. "As a teacher at Odenton Elementary School, I had the pleasure of spending time talking to Mr. Mireles on multiple occasions. He was always kind and supportive of our work with his children," one of the messages said. "As busy as he was as a business owner, he made time for parent conferences and school events. It was evident in his words and actions that being a good father and supporting his children’s success meant everything to him. "

A public visitation was held for Mario and Nicolas on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Maryland Hall in Annapolis.  

Christian “Chele” Segovia grew up in a loving and proudly Peruvian-Salvadoran household that was always surrounded by family and friends, according to an obituary. "His spirit was one of a kind and truly unmatched. He knew his worth and never had to prove to anyone what his value was."

***Any suspects/arrested/charged individuals and persons of interest named in the articles are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.***