Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland granted a postponement in Donald Blackwell’s assault trial for emerging factors, including a possible replacement of counsel, newly discovered evidence allegedly linking Blackwell’s firearm to the crime, and Blackwell’s desire to consult with his family prior to trial.
Blackwell, 37 faces charges of first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and related firearms violations in connection to a Feb. 13 incident that occurred on the 500 block of N. Central Avenue.
According to charging documents, witnesses saw Blackwell shoot his gun and return to his black Infiniti. No victim was identified. Responding officers tracked Blackwell’s vehicle’s license to his residence, where they arrested him. There investigators allegedly recovered a firearm believed to be Blackwell’s, as well as numerous .40-caliber rounds resembling the shell casings found at the crime scene.
Judge Copeland rescheduled Blackwell’s trial to begin Sept. 24 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer, and warned Blackwell she would not grant any further postponements in the case.
