27-Year-Old Attempted Murder Defendant Rejects Open Plea

By Alyssia Davis [former] - May 9, 2022
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A 27-year-old Baltimore man charged with attempted murder may have a possible trial scheduled for as late as next year.

Jimmy Murphy is charged with attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, two counts of first and second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, use of a firearm during a violent crime, reckless endangerment, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, having a loaded handgun on his person, having a handgun on his person, second-degree arson, and two counts of altering physical evidence in connection to an incident on Jan. 20, 2020. 

During court proceedings on May 9, the prosecutor informed Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn of an open plea where defense counsel is free to suggest a term within the sentencing guidelines for attempted first-degree murder, second-degree murder, use of a firearm during a violent crime, second-degree arson, and altering physical evidence. 

Murphy and his defense attorney Sharon May rejected the offer. 

According to Baltimore Fox, Christopher Brown, 21, and Daran Horton, 22, were at the Alameda Shopping Center with Cordelle and Cornelius Bruce. During that time, an argument broke out between Cordelle, Brown, Horton, and their associates about a botched marijuana sale. After leaving the shopping center, Brown, Horton, and another individual allegedly hunted Cordelle down, locating him on the 1100 block of Belvedere Avenue and shot and killed him.

In the days after Cordelle’s murder, Cornelius; Murphy, 27; and an unknown individual seeking to avenge Cordelle’s murder allegedly conducted a retaliatory shooting that resulted in Cornelius being shot and killed by Murphy.

Murphy’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29 to discuss a trial date for some time in 2023.