Judge Postpones Attempted Murder Trial Because of Tainted Jury

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

Devonte Lassiter, 33, is on trial for an altercation that occurred on June 8 at the intersection of South Broadway and Thames Street, where he allegedly shot and injured a 16-year-old girl.

Lassiter is charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, reckless endangerment and related firearm charges for allegedly shooting a 16-year-old girl during a physical altercation, near the intersection of South Broadway and Thames Street.

On Feb. 24, a fire alarm rang out in the Mitchell Courthouse during jury selection for the case. Court officials instructed several jurors to leave, but there was a miscommunication if they were required to return.

On the morning of Feb. 25, a juror informed the court that another juror researched Lassiter’s case on the internet and revealed the details to the entire jury panel, thus tainting the jury which is banned from watching social media accounts or discussing the case before deliberations.

Defense attorney Martin Cohen argued against the postponement and pushed to select a new jury the same day. The prosecutor replied that the case had already taken too long and that they would be unable to keep their witness available.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Piper F. McKeithen agreed with the prosecutor and sent the case to Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland for rescheduling.

When counsel arrived in Judge Copeland’s courtroom, she asked, “Why are you here for a case that was supposed to start on Thursday?”

Judge Copeland agreed to reschedule the case for April 7 and told counsel this would be the final postponement.