Taiwan Mitchell, 42, was set for a December retrial on July 10, two months after his case was remanded by an Appellate Court.
Mitchell was originally sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2024 for the murder of Roy Cantler, 36, and the shooting of another victim in the arm. On Nov. 13, 2021, Baltimore City Police found Cantler lying in an alleyway in the 2200 block of Christian Street with a gunshot wound to his face. Witnesses were able to identify Mitchell as the alleged shooter, and further investigation revealed a high-powered BB gun was used as the murder weapon.
Mitchell was originally found guilty of possession of a pellet gun, involuntary manslaughter, and second-degree assault. He took a plea deal that dismissed his first-degree murder and attempted first degree murder charges.
During Friday’s reception court hearing, Judge Melissa K. Copeland confirmed the case had returned to Baltimore City Circuit Court following an appeal. Court records show his case was officially remanded on May 1 this year.
According to a March unreported opinion from the Appellate Court of Maryland, “Mitchell stated that he did not feel comfortable proceeding to trial with his court-appointed counsel and that he wanted to engage private counsel.”
The Appellate Court ultimately found that “the circuit court failed to comply with” a state law regarding a criminal defendant’s request to discharge counsel.
Mitchell’s new trial is scheduled for Dec. 8.
