News Summary
Alexis Cancel-Soto, 20, has been convicted of first-degree murder in the tragic shooting death of 19-year-old Cameran Holt during a gender reveal party in Federal Hill. Holt was struck by a stray bullet and died two weeks after the incident. Cancel-Soto, who faced several other charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, acted recklessly during a shootout intended for another target. Holt’s family is seeking closure while the community grapples with the impacts of gun violence.
Baltimore – A 20-year-old man, Alexis Cancel-Soto, was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of 19-year-old Cameran Holt, who was tragically shot by a stray bullet during a gender reveal celebration in Federal Hill on October 27, 2024. Holt succumbed to her injuries two weeks later. The jury’s decision was reached after approximately 10 hours of deliberation over two days.
In addition to the murder charge, Cancel-Soto faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted first-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and illegal possession of a firearm. He was one of three men charged in connection with the incident, which also left another individual injured. The other two suspects, Daeshaun Clark and Devontaye Richardson, are scheduled to stand trial next month.
Prosecutors indicated that during a shootout intended for another man, Cancel-Soto and his accomplices unintentionally shot and killed Holt. Evidence submitted in court included surveillance video that captured a confrontation between Richardson and an unidentified man shortly before the shooting occurred. Additionally, crime scene photos were displayed, although no firearms were found in the possession of the suspects.
During the trial, a witness, the former owner of the parking lot where the incident took place, testified about multiple individuals carrying guns and the escalating argument between the men. The evidence suggested that Cancel-Soto acted recklessly, as he was found to have run toward the dangerous situation and admitted to illegally carrying a firearm at the time of the shooting.
In his defense, Cancel-Soto claimed that he fired shots in self-defense and insisted that he had no intention of killing anyone that night. His defense team argued that he had never shot at a person previously.
Holt’s family, particularly her mother, Roxanne Spath, expressed their wish for peace following the jury’s verdict. Spath highlighted her daughter’s compassionate nature, stating that Holt was the kind of person who would do anything to help others. She attended all trial proceedings, underscoring her commitment to seeking justice for her daughter.
As the case unfolded, the community was reminded of the grim realities of gun violence and its impact on innocent lives. Holt was simply celebrating a significant family event when she became an unintended victim of a violent act. This incident has sparked conversations about public safety and the need for addressing gun violence.
Cancel-Soto is currently awaiting sentencing, which has been scheduled for December 3. His conviction marks a pivotal moment for the Holt family, who have sought closure and justice in light of their tragic loss.
The case continues to shed light on the violent incidents that can occur in urban neighborhoods and the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate such occurrences in the future. As the legal proceedings for the other accused individuals approach, many are watching closely to see how the courts will respond to the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Baltimore.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Murder in Federal Hill
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WBAL: Verdict for Alexis Cancel-Soto
- Google Search: Alexis Cancel-Soto trial
- Fox Baltimore: Attempted Murder at Mosque
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Baltimore
- CBS News: Guilty of First-Degree Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- WBAL: Baltimore Homicide Shooting Reduction
- Google News: Baltimore Gun Violence
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
