Multiple homicide trial defendants stood before Judge Melissa K. Copeland on March 13 awaiting trial dates.
Among the defendants were possible co-defendants Chaz Branch and Tyrell Branch, both 36, who have been charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and multiple firearm violations in connection to the May 25, 2025 fatal shooting of 50-year-old Tobias Cunningham on the 400 block of N. Paca Street.
The defendants were previously offered plea deals of life, suspending all but 50 years with 5 years of probation, which they both rejected.
At the session, the prosecution asked to set a hearing to consider joining the two defendants’ cases. Defense attorney Singleton Mathews explained that a trial date beyond April 8 would be ideal as Branch will be in mental health court that day.
Judge Copeland set the trial to begin on Aug. 13, with five days allotted for proceedings.
Homicide defendant Dontaye Richardson also awaited a trial date during the hearing.
Richardson is charged with first-degree murder and multiple firearm violations in connection to the Aug. 31, 2025 shooting of Major Kip Smith, 61, on the 5000 block of Palmer Avenue.
At the hearing, the prosecution offered Richardson a plea deal of a life sentence, suspending all but 60 years, the first five to be served without parole.
Defense attorney Koryn High said she would “respectfully reject that offer” on behalf of her client.
High then requested an extension of time to file pretrial motions regarding evidence recently shared by the prosecution, citing a need to review certain files.
Copeland granted the extension, giving High 10 days to submit her motions.
The prosecution added that due to the unavailability of certain state’s witnesses, Richardson would likely have to be tried beyond his speedy trial deadline of May 25.
Judge Copeland agreed, and the trial was set to begin Aug. 19.
Meanwhile, 36-year-old attempted homicide defendant Monta York was also in postponement court, due to faulty scheduling.
York is charged with attempted murder, assault and three firearm violations in relation to a July 22, 2025 shooting that occurred on the 2100 block of Windsor Garden Lane.
Judge Copeland explained that Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Catherine Chen wanted clarity on York’s mental competency before deciding how to proceed. York is now set to appear in mental health court on March 18, alongside defense attorney Andre M. Mahasa. Unless a defendant understands the charges against him and can help his lawyer, he’s considered mentally incompetent to stand trial.
York expressed dissatisfaction with Mahasa’s services during the hearing, stating, “I don’t agree with certain things my attorney is doing.”.
A date will be set for trial after the results of his competency evaluation are reviewed before mental health court Judge Gale E. Rasin evaluation.
