The case of Chaz Laray Branch, 37, was postponed on August 13 in Baltimore City Reception Court before Judge Melissa K. Copeland to accommodate a defense lawyer’s military obligation.
Branch is charged with two counts of first degree murder and multiple firearm charges after being involved in the murder of Tobias Cunningham, 50, on the 400 block of N. Paca Street on May 25, 2025.
According to court documents, officers responded on the scene for multiple 911 calls reporting a firearm being discharged in the area. When they arrived, the victim was located suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the driver seat of his vehicle. Cunningham was identified and pronounced dead at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Hospital. At the scene, numerous .40 caliber casings and the victim’s vehicle were recovered.
Video surveillance footage showed two masked suspects approaching the victim in his vehicle immediately after he arrived at the location. One of the suspects is seen firing a handgun at the victim and they both flee on foot. The vehicle in question was allegedly registered to Branch and was not reported stolen.
Detectives from the Regional Auto Theft Task Force located the suspect vehicle and identified a person said to be Branch as the driver. Branch was later apprehended with a 9mm handgun in his waistband and .38 revolver allegedly in his pocket. Additionally, Branch’s cell records were obtained and placed his phone and vehicle in the vicinity of the murder.
The case was expected to proceed before Judge Kimberly McBride but was transferred to reception court Judge Melissa K. Copeland to select a new trial date.
Stand-in Defense Attorney Kya Henley motioned for the trial to be postponed due to defense attorney Singleton Mathews being ordered to return to his Army Reserve unit.
The pre-trial is scheduled to be held in reception court before Judge Melissa K. Copeland on August 28th.
