Co-defendants Eduardo Rodriguez, 19, and Kevin Palma-Vares, 19, appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy on June 1 for a hearing regarding a prosecution motion to join their cases for trial.
Rodriguez was represented by defense attorney Michael Munafo and was assisted by a Spanish interpreter during the hearing. Palma-Vares was represented by defense attorney Alex Leikus.
At the start of proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that it was withdrawing its motion for joinder. As a result, the defendants will proceed with separate trials rather than face judgement together.
According to charging documents, the pair is charged in connection to a Feb. 13 shooting investigation in East Baltimore. Prosecutors allege the occupants of a silver GMC Acadia fired a handgun toward a pedestrian near the 300 block of Imla Street. No injuries were reported.
Following the withdrawal of the motion, both defendants appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland for scheduling.
Rodriguez’s trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 20 before Judge Handy.
Leikus informed the court that he has filed a motion to suppress evidence on behalf of Palma-Vares. The date for that hearing will be determined after coordinating between defense and the prosecution.
Palma-Vares is scheduled for a three-day trial beginning Sept. 10 before Judge Charles J. Peters.
Both defendants rejected plea offers from the state during a May 26 hearing.
The cases remain pending in Baltimore City Circuit Court.
