Two cases began jury selection on July 23, following a shortage of candidates for the panels.
23-year-old Tamal Johnson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and three firearm charges. They stem from the fatal shooting of Taniya Gray on May 11, 2025 at the 4100 block of Mountwood Road.
According to court documents, video footage shows Johnson allegedly parking his Kia Sorento behind Gray’s white Acura as she was entering her vehicle. Then, Johnson allegedly exited his vehicle and shot Gray before he drove away.
Johnson had come to a mutual decision with his prior attorney that he would hire new representation. Johnson is now represented by defense attorney George Harris before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Robert Taylor.
42-year-old Brandon Vines is charged with first-degree murder and two firearm violations in connection to the fatal shooting of Mitchell Rhode on Nov. 15, 2025. Rhode was discovered unresponsive on the sidewalk at the 1900 Block of Greenmount Avenue after suffering a gunshot wound to his head. Rhode was transported to Johns Hopkins Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Vines’s trial is set to conclude on July 28 before Baltimore City Circuit Judge Michael DiPietro. He is represented by defense attorney Christopher O’Meara.
