19 Year Old Rejects Plea, Heads to Trial for Attempted Murder

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A non-fatal shooting defendant, who turned 19 less than three weeks ago, received a trial date during reception court at Baltimore City Circuit Court on Aug. 13.

Baltimore resident Darrick Brown is accused of a shooting on June 27, 2020.

On July 16, Brown was offered 60 years, suspending all but 15, for attempted first-degree murder; 15 years for firearm use in a violent crime; and three years for having a handgun on his person. Under the plea, all three sentences would run concurrently.

In addition to the charges listed in the plea offer, Brown is charged with another count of first-degree attempted murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and six other gun-related charges.

Brown’s defense attorney, Benjamin Herbst, asked the court to give him and his client time to consider the offer. Judge Melissa K. Copeland scheduled the case to return to reception court five weeks later.

On Friday, Herbst rejected the offer on Brown’s behalf. Brown waived his Hick’s date, referring to his right under Maryland law to be tried within 180 days of his first court appearance.

Judge Melissa M. Phinn scheduled the case for trial on Feb. 23, 2022, with Judge Philip S. Jackson presiding.