Jury selection commenced on Aug. 20 in Baltimore City Circuit Court for Eduardo Rodriguez, who is charged in connection with a February shooting in East Baltimore.
Rodriguez, 19, is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in a felony violent crime and related offenses.
According to charging documents, Rodriguez and Kevin Palma-Vares are charged in connection with a Feb. 13 shooting. 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.
Earlier the prosecution withdrew its motion for joinder. As a result, the defendants will proceed with separate trials rather than face judgement together
Rodriguez rejected a previously mentioned plea offer, but the terms were unspecified.
Defense attorney Michael A. Munafo identified two potential witnesses seated near Rodriguez’s family. The state said it plans to call three witnesses and expects the trial to last approximately two days.
Judge Althea M. Handy called for jury selection to begin Thursday.
Rodriguez faces nine total charges, including handgun possession in a vehicle, possession of a firearm by a minor, reckless endangerment, wearing, carrying, and knowingly transporting a handgun, and firing and discharging a gun or pistol.
