Two Baltimore men entrapped in an alleged contract killing plot faced another round of hearings during a reception court hearing on Sept. 5 as Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland worked to untangle the logistics surrounding their cases.
Keith Russell and Cornell Moore, both 39, face 37 and 41 charges each for their alleged involvement in a contract killing scheme dating back to 2020. Their counts include first-degree murder, attempted murder, participating in a criminal gang, and multiple conspiracy and firearms violations. According to prosecutors, Russell and Moore orchestrated paid killings, shootings and carjackings across Baltimore that left seven victims dead.
Judge Copeland reviewed scheduling issues that have repeatedly delayed proceedings, noting that Russell’s case remains in limbo due to the extraordinary logistical demands it presents. The court has yet to receive updated communications about the case, and Judge Copeland stressed the difficulty of convening two full jury panels, which would be necessary given the number of charges and defendants involved.
Instead of setting a trial date, she scheduled a future pretrial conference, at a date yet to be determined to reassess the feasibility of moving forward
Moore’s case, meanwhile, advanced a bit. Copeland scheduled an in-person conference for Sept. 19 to set a trial date and establish a solid framework for the proceedings. The court outlined Jan. 12, 2026, as an intended start date for trial, though the timeline could shift depending on the coordination among the prosecution, defense, and court staff.
As of now, the Russell and Moore cases remain without firm trial dates. The next step depends on whether the court can manage the logistical demands while ensuring the defendants’ rights are preserved. Both men remain in custody as the proceedings continue.
