Homicide Defendant Calls Judge A "B*tch"

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

Homicide defendant Jamal Smothers, 19, muttered a curse at Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland after she waived his Hicks date due to his defense counsel’s lack of preparation.

Smothers, 19, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and four firearm-related offenses.

The first available trial date would exceed the 180-day Hicks deadline requirement of Feb. 12. Defense counsel was recently certified and needed time to prepare.

After Judge Copeland dismissed Smothers, the defendant cursed under his breath in response to the date being pushed back, “This is bull s**t, damn b*tch.”

Smothers’ trial is scheduled to begin June 17 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence R. Daniels.

Homicide Defendant Calls Judge A “B*tch”