On Feb. 9, defense attorney Augestine Okeke stood before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Cynthia H. Jones and withdrew from a murder case after numerous disagreements with the defendant, 22-year-old Tamal Johnson.
Johnson has been charged with two first-degree murder charges and three firearm charges after being arrested on May 22, 2025 for fatally shooting Taniya Gray, 23, on the 4100 block of Mountwood Ave.
Okeke emphasized that his recusal from Johnson’s case was a mutual decision and asked the court to strike his name and postpone matters so Johnson would have time to find a new attorney.
Judge Jones approved the motion and sent the case to postponement court to be overheard by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland. Judge Copeland postponed the case.
According to court documents, video footage from May 11, 2025 shows that Johnson had parked his Kia Sorento behind Gray’s white Acura as she was entering her vehicle. He then proceeded to exit his vehicle and shoot Gray before returning to his vehicle and driving away.
Police were able to place Johnson at the scene of the crime through surveillance footage and phone records. Upon arrest, Johnson allegedly confirmed that he drove his parents’ Kia Sorento that day.
A search and seizure warrant was issued for Johnson’s place of residence, where law enforcement officials recovered $2,000 worth of marijuana, a handgun and over $12,000.
The trial is now set to begin on Feb. 27.
