Davontaye Watkins, 29, was denied a postponement of his murder trial on July 23 by Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea M. Handy after saying he was “not emotionally ready” after being found guilty in a different trial two days prior.
Watkins is being charged with several counts of first-degree murder and firearm offenses from an incident that occurred in the 900 block of N. Carrollton Avenue on Feb. 16, 2024.
Defense attorney Natalie A. Finegar told Judge Handy that Watkins wanted to postpone his trial after being found guilty of assault, firearm offenses and reckless endangerment on Tuesday for a shooting incident that occurred on May 10, 2025. However, Watkins was acquitted of attempted murder and had the illegal possession of ammunition charge dismissed.
Judge Handy denied the request for postponement, saying the defendant’s emotional state was not a good enough reason and they would move forward with the trial.
Watkins also told Judge Handy that he did not want Finegar to represent him anymore because of his legal loss on July 21. Judge Handy said she was surprised since Finegar is “probably one of the best defense attorneys in the state,” and that Watkins would have to represent himself if he was to fire Finegar.
Watkins agreed to proceed to trial with Finegar as his counsel.
Since Finegar arrived late to the proceeding, only 42 jurors were available out of the 90 that Judge Handy wanted. Jury selection has been postponed until there are enough candidates.
