Nedrick Johnson, 30, appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland on Nov. 10 for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on April 10–for a trial that was briefly postponed over a disputed jail phone call.
His defense attorney, Augustine Okeke, asked for a few more days to review jail call content that he called “damning,” with hopes that it will not be admitted as evidence in Johnson’s trial.
Johnson is charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, multiple firearms charges, and the illegal possession of ammunition.
According to court documents, Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers responded to reports of a discharge at the 4100 block of Parkside Drive. Officers observed blood droplets on the curb, as well as nine recovered shell casings in a parking lot on the 4200 block of Belair Road. Police then investigated a walk-in shooting victim reported at Union Memorial Hospital, who was reportedly identified as Nedrick Johnson, suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
In the review of surveillance footage, Johnson and an unknown Black male were allegedly seen in a verbal argument, on the verge of a physical fight. Johnson was limping and apparently attempting to retrieve a firearm from his satchel. He then chased the unknown male and, according to police, fired at him nine times.
The suspect in the video was seen wearing a black shirt with a yellow shirt underneath, black and grey jeans, a ski mask with blonde dreadlocks visible from underneath, and salmon-colored sneakers. Johnson was allegedly wearing similar clothing when admitted to the hospital.
In postponement court with Judge Copeland, Johnson said regarding the prosecution’s plea deal, “I respectfully decline… but I thank the State’s Attorney for even giving me an offer.” Details of the proposed agreement were not disclosed in open court.
Meanwhile, jury selection is set to begin on Nov. 12 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Alan C. Lazerow.
