Judge Denies Motion to Suppress Evidence in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

By Vantashia Bridges [former] - July 9, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting |

On July 9, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John A.  Howard denied the defense’s motion to suppress 13 hours of bodycam footage from evidence as a part of an upcoming non-fatal shooting trial.

Defense attorney Hunter Pruette said he had been delayed in preparing for the case because the prosecution filed the evidence under the wrong case number. Pruette added that the state should be held accountable for its “massively untimely process,” as his client, Baltimore resident Keon Rice, has awaited trial for more than a year.

Under Maryland law, a defendant has the right to be tried within 180 days of their first appearance in court. Rice was arrested on June 16, 2020, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on March 28, 2020.

However, Judge Taylor denied the motion, noting that the effects of COVID-19 have led to even greater delays.

Rice is scheduled to go to trial on July 14.

During postponement court on May 25, Rice, 29, rejected an offer of life, suspending all but 25 years, for attempted first-degree murder and five years without parole to run concurrently for his firearm use in a violent crime charge.

He is also charged with attempted second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm possession with a felony conviction, illegal possession of a firearm, having a handgun on his person, and discharging a firearm.