Man Who Gunned Down DPW Co-Worker Appears In Court

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Gunned down on the job. There are new revelations in the murder of a Baltimore City worker---and what's happening now to the coworker facing life in prison if convicted of killing him.

The murder has shaken employees at the Department of Public Works. The accused killer worked there for 25 years and was in court for a bail review Monday.

Investigator Mike Hellgren has more.

The accused killer is being held without bail, facing seven charges including first degree murder. First responders found the victim on his back and unresponsive inside the DPW locker room.

WJZ obtained new charging documents that reveal more about the murder and the shootout that locked down the Department of Public Works' massive Park Terminal facility in west Baltimore last Thursday. The accused, DPW employee Cipisirono Cole, turned himself in over the weekend.

Police won't say whether he's spoken about Darrin Johnson Jr., the coworker they believe he shot to death.

"You know, our cases don't end with an arrest," said Lt. Jarron Jackson.

Among the revelations in charging documents: Cole retrieved a handgun from his moped and went back into the locker room and shot Johnson multiple times.

Police have characterized the argument that led to his death as a joke that went too far, escalating over several weeks.

A memorial for him sits between the big garage doors. His family placed pictures, candles and flowers the same night Cole turned himself in.

"We definitely know that he tried to diffuse the situation and he walked away. He did the respectful thing so whatever else fell behind that, we really don't know," said the victim's cousin, Akeena Jeffries-Chew.

Charging documents also show witnesses identified Cole through a photo lineup. Police are keeping their identities secret for their safety while the victim's family makes arrangements to bury him.

"Darrin is a loving guy. He was a family guy. He has children, he has three kids, and we're just trying to make sure they're all okay," Jeffries-Chew said.

In addition to first and second degree murder, Cole faces assault and handgun charges.