21-Year-Old Gets Trial Date 1 Year After Non-Fatal Shooting

By Rudy Malcom [former] - August 12, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

A 21-year-old attempted murder defendant received a trial date on the first anniversary of the shooting.

During reception court at Baltimore Circuit City Court on Aug. 12, Baltimore resident Jai-Shawn Harding rejected a plea of life, suspending all but 20 years, the first five without the possibility of parole, with five years of probation for attempted-first degree murder and firearm use in a violent crime.

Under the plea, he would concurrently serve three years for illegal possession of a firearm as a minor. 

Harding is also charged with attempted second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, having a handgun on his person, firing a gun within the city, and illegal possession of ammunition. The charges stem from an incident on Aug. 12, 2020.

During a bail review hearing on Aug. 3, the prosecutor said Harding and the victim were having a conversation when the defendant said he wanted to talk to the victim in an alley. The victim declined, and Harding allegedly shot the victim in the back. The victim was able to get into a vehicle and drive home, later identifying Harding in a photo array, the prosecutor said.

Judge Philip S. Jackson denied bail.

After rejecting the offer on Thursday, Harding declined to waive his right to a speedy trial. Under Maryland law, a defendant has the right to be tried by their Hicks’ date, or within 180 days of their first appearance in court.

However, Judge Melissa M. Phinn found cause to postpone his case because his defense attorneys, Janet Andersen and Robert Cohen, and the prosecution will not be available for trial before Harding’s Hicks’ date. Judge Phinn scheduled the trial for Jan. 13, 2022, with Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer presiding.