HdG Man Asks For New Trial In Murder Case

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — A Havre de Grace man has requested a new trial after a jury found him guilty of being an accessory after the fact to second-degree murder. His attorney reportedly questioned the basis for the conviction since nobody was found guilty of second-degree murder.

A jury determined Robert Lee Zeman III, 33, of the 400 block of South Washington Street, was guilty of accessory after the fact to second-degree murder, unlawful sale of a regulated firearm, having a handgun on his person and possession of a handgun by someone prohibited. The jurors issued their verdict Feb. 14.

Police arrested Zeman in April 2019 related to the illegal gun transaction.

During the gun sale, a witness reportedly saw Zeman telling the buyer the weapon had been used to kill someone, according to The Aegis, which said Zeman informed police he got the gun from the backpack of his half-brother, who had asked him over the jailhouse phone to get it for him.

Related:

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• Two Charged In 2018 Havre de Grace Murder: Police
• Man Dies 3 Days After Havre de Grace Shooting: Police

Zeman's half brother — Joseph Daniel Parrish, 28, of the 200 block of Schmechel Street in Aberdeen — was convicted of first-degree murder, retaliation against a witness and using a firearm in a felony crime. The verdict came Oct. 17, and by Oct. 25 he had requested a new trial.

The motive for shooting Jeffrey Mark Coudon, 61, of the 200 block of North Washington Street, was reportedly to keep the man from testifying against Parrish in a robbery case.

Since Parrish was convicted of first-degree murder, Zeman could not be an accessory to a second-degree murder, his attorney reportedly said.

Zeman filed for a new trial Feb. 24, court records show, which was 10 days after a jury found him guilty.

Sentencing for Zeman is set for May 26.