Man charged with second-degree murder for man's death in Baltimore harbor

A Maryland man has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of another man in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. James Fitzsimmons, 36, of Parkville, is accused of pushing James Britt, 37, of Baltimore, into the water during a confrontation on Sunday afternoon. Police allege that the two men engaged in a fight in an alley before Britt attempted to flee toward the harbor. According to court documents, surveillance footage shows Fitzsimmons chasing Britt across the street and ultimately shoving him into the water. Rescue divers later retrieved Britt’s body from the harbor, and he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The incident occurred around midday on Sunday, according to law enforcement officials. Surveillance video obtained by police reportedly captures the sequence of events leading to Britt’s death. In the footage, the two men are seen arguing and exchanging blows in an alleyway near the Inner Harbor. After the altercation, Britt appears to retreat toward the waterfront, crossing the street toward the edge of the harbor. Fitzsimmons allegedly pursued him and pushed him into the water. Following the incident, Fitzsimmons spoke with investigators, stating that Britt had voluntarily entered the water. When asked why he did so, Fitzsimmons reportedly said that Britt’s girlfriend had mentioned he could not swim, prompting him to respond, “Oh well,” before walking away. This statement has drawn attention from both legal experts and members of the public, though it remains unclear whether it will play a role in the prosecution’s case. Britt was discovered in the water by rescue divers shortly after the alleged push. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities confirmed that no signs of foul play beyond the physical act of being pushed into the water were evident during the initial investigation. However, prosecutors have chosen to charge Fitzsimmons with second-degree murder, which typically applies when someone intentionally causes another person’s death through unlawful actions. In addition to the murder charge, Fitzsimmons faces counts of manslaughter and assault. His court appearance is scheduled for August 27, but no attorney has yet been listed for him in court records. Attempts to locate Fitzsimmons via phone have been unsuccessful, raising questions about his current whereabouts and whether he will appear in court as planned. The case has sparked discussion among residents and community leaders in Baltimore. Some have expressed concern over incidents involving violence near popular tourist areas such as the Inner Harbor, while others have called for more detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the altercation. Local authorities have not released additional details about the relationship between the two men or any prior history of conflict. Legal analysts suggest that the decision to pursue a second-degree murder charge indicates that prosecutors believe Fitzsimmons acted with intent to cause harm or death. Second-degree murder charges often require proof of premeditation or reckless disregard for human life. Whether the evidence supports this level of culpability will likely be a central issue during the trial. Fitzsimmons is currently being held in custody pending his court date. His bail status has not been disclosed, and there is no indication that he has sought legal representation. As the case moves forward, further details about the investigation and potential witnesses are expected to emerge. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for similar cases involving deaths resulting from altercations in public spaces.