Trial Date Set for Man Accused in Homicide Across From UMD Pharmacy School

By Connor Driscoll [former] - July 15, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Non-Fatal Shooting | Victims |

A 24-year-old Baltimore man accused of homicide in 2020 received a trial date at the Baltimore City Circuit Court on July 14. 

Prosecutors alleged that Clifford Knight shot 26-year-old Ronald Lewis multiple times. 

Knight faces two counts of first-degree murder. He is also charged firearm use in a violent crime, having a loaded handgun in his vehicle, possession of a loaded handgun on his person, and felon in possession of a firearm.

The shooting occurred just after midnight on May 14, 2020, on the 100 block of Violet Hill White Way, across the street from the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy. 

After interviewing several witnesses and examining physical evidence at the scene, police identified Knight as the probable shooter, according to ABC Baltimore. A warrant was obtained for Knight’s arrest on July 26, and Knight was arrested on August 5. 

During Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Phinn scheduled the trial to begin on Aug. 10, which will be presided by Judge Martin P. Welch. 

Knight is represented by defense attorney Robert Cole.

Judge Melissa M. Phinn also heard an attempted murder case, as well as the case of a man charged with unlawfully discharging a firearm, setting an August trial date for a man facing gun possession and discharge offenses. 

During the hearing, the prosecution offered, the 32-year-old Baltimore resident, 15 years, suspending all but eight, and two years probation upon release for illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. Defense attorney Filia Morgan-Xavier rejected the offer on behalf of her client. 

Additionally, the man faces six other weapon-related charges, including unlawful discharge of a firearm. The charges stemmed from an incident on May 27, 2020. 

During the hearing, Judge Phinn scheduled the trial to start Aug. 24. 

Judge Phinn also oversaw the start of plea negotiations for a 35-year-old man accused of attempted murder.

Prosecutors allege that Lamont Dudley was the assailant in a South Baltimore shooting that left a man with multiple gunshot wounds.

The prosecution offered life, suspending all but 25 years, for attempted first-degree murder, and five years for firearm use in a violent crime to run concurrently.

Dudley’s defense attorney, Isabel Lipman, said her client was still considering the offer. A tentative hearing for the formal acceptance was scheduled for July 30.

Additionally, Dudley is charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, carrying a handgun, possession of a loaded handgun on his person, discharging a firearm, and felon in possession of a firearm.

The shooting occurred around 10 p.m. on Jan. 19 the 1000 block of S. Carey Street.

Dudley was arrested in connection to the shooting in early February.