Gunfight Defendant Drops Counsel

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On May 15, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer heard a motion by defense attorney Warren Brown to be released as counsel for Marcus Lilly, 42.

Lilly and his co-defendant, 24-year-old Shyheem Thompson, are charged with three counts each of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and firearm use, as well as single counts of related firearm violations. Lilly and Thompson stand accused in an October 2024 shootout.

According to charging documents, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers responded to the 3500 block of W. Canton Avenue where they located a 53-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds to his buttocks and foot.

While investigating, officers learned the victim was injured in an unrelated gunfight. They were unable to discern a motive for the exchange.

Investigators located a crime scene and recovered three .40 caliber shell casings. Officers identified Lilly and Thompson as the suspects via witness statements and surveillance footage from an area store.

Records show Lilly was arrested Feb. 13. Thompson — who has a history of firearms violations, including possession as a minor — remained on the run for over a month.

The motion resolved quickly, as Lilly had no objection. Judge Schiffer reminded Lilly he will have to defend himself if he fails to secure an attorney by his June 30 trial date. The date exceeds the required May 20 deadline.

Maryland’s Hicks rule requires criminal trials in circuit courts begin within 180 days of a defendant’s or defense counsel’s initial appearance. Should a judge find good cause for continuance, a trial may proceed past a defendant’s Hicks date.

Judge Schiffer noted Lilly previously filed a pro se motion on April 23, intending to represent himself.

“There was good cause to go past his Hicks date,” she told counsel.

However, Brown informed Judge Copeland he contacted the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) to inform them Lilly requires counsel.