On Nov. 2, a motion for postponement was heard in Baltimore City Circuit Court before Judge Emmanuel Brown for the trial of Jelon Smith, 41, accused of the attempted first-degree murders of two victims. The incident allegedly took place on April 20, 2025 on the 400 Block of W. Saratoga Street.
The prosecutor argued that the postponement was necessary due to the state’s inability to subpoena three essential witnesses for the case, including one of the victims. According to the prosecutor the victim stated that “he is not a snitch,” and refused to cooperate, the second witness–also a victim –had invoked the right to silence, and the third person, not an eyewitness, was unhoused and the state was having difficulties in tracking them down for a subpoena.
Defense counsel, Hanna Roya May, argued that her side was ready to go to trial.
Judge Brown sent the case to Judge Melissa Copeland in administrative court to resolve the motion for postponement. When it was denied by Judge Copeland, the prosecution opted to dismiss the charges due to the insufficient evidence from key witnesses.
Cases that are dismissed without prejudice can often be refiled.
