‘39 Babies’ Gang Members’ Hearing Continued Amid Attorney Changes

By Shayna Sefret [former] - July 6, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A Baltimore City Circuit Court judge continued two co-defendants’ hearings on July 5 due to new attorneys needing more to talk with the defendants and look over the facts of the case. 

Attorney Michael Lawlor took over the defense for defendant Kyron Tyree Johnson and attorney Angela Shelton took over the defense for defendant Pierre Briggs. Both defendants recently had attorney changes after their original attorneys left their cases.

Lawlor told Judge Melissa M. Phinn during the hearing on Wednesday, that he just entered his appearance and has not yet had a chance to speak to his client, Johnson. 

Shelton told Judge Phinn that she was just assigned to Briggs’ case. Shelton added that she has not yet reviewed discovery or talked with her client. 

The prosecutor offered Johnson, 22, a plea of life, suspending all but 70 years and Briggs, 22, a plea of 50 years, suspending all but 25 years. Both men rejected the pleas offered to them.

Phinn requested that all parties return on July 17 to schedule a trial date, after the prosecutor provides both defense attorneys with discovery.

According to CBS News, the attorney general’s office reported that both men were part of an indictment linking 11 gang members to eight attempted murders and four homicides.

As stated on the Maryland Judiciary website, Briggs and Johnson are charged with over a hundred gang-related crimes, including first-degree murder and assault.