Judge Denies Bail for Two Non-Fatal Shooting Defendants

By Sarah Driver [former] - July 16, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

A 26-year-old Baltimore woman, who gave birth while incarcerated for allegedly trying to kill her former partner, was denied bail at the Baltimore City Circuit Court on July 16.

Monay Clark is charged with attempted first-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, firearm use in a violent crime, and carrying a handgun on her person.

On April 22, 2020, police responded to a reported shooting on N. Calhoun Street. While no one was found at the scene, the victim was found at a nearby gas station. He was taken to Shock Trauma for multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. 

During Friday’s bail review hearing, Clark’s defense attorney, Robert Cole Jr., argued his client should be released because there is little proof of her involvement in the incident besides the victim’s word. 

Cole said there is no CCTV footage of the incident or of Clark leaving the crime scene. According to Cole, the victim should not be trusted because he previously lied about his history with Clark.

Cole further argued that Clark should be released because of the adversity she has faced while incarcerated. Clark entered jail while pregnant in May 2020 and gave birth during her stay. Since then, she has only seen her child over Zoom. 

The defendant has also suffered from a number of health issues while in jail, Cole told the court.

However, the prosecution disagreed with Cole’s understanding of the case, noting that the victim has cooperated with police officers. 

The prosecution said the victim provided evidence of where Clark lived and that his phone records show she had made numerous attempts to contact him in the days immediately prior to the incident. According to the prosecution, the victim’s brother confirmed that Clark had a contentious relationship with the victim. 

The prosecution also argued that Clark is dangerous and a flight risk. According to the prosecution, she had three open warrants and 11 prior failures to appear at the time of her arrest. When Clark was arrested, police officers found a handgun, cocaine, and $10,000 in cash at the house where she was staying.

Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Philip S. Jackson ruled that the defendant will remain detained. 

Judge Jackson also denied another non-fatal shooting defendant’s bail request during Friday’s hearing. 

Arnell Lee, an 18-year-old Baltimore resident, was allegedly involved in an attempted murder at a local mall on Jan. 23.

The prosecution said the attempted murder occurred in broad daylight following an altercation. Lee shot the victim in the torso and arm on the 2400 block of Liberty Heights Avenue, according to WMAR Baltimore. There is video footage that ties Lee’s clothes and car to the crime scene.

Lee is charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, firearm use in a violent crime, reckless endangerment, possession of firearm as a minor, and discharging firearms.

Defense attorney James Rhodes argued Lee is not a flight risk because he did not attempt to flee in the four months between the incident and his arrest. At the time of the incident, Rhodes said Lee was working and finishing high school. 

Rhodes also said his client had no adult convictions prior to the incident. 

While Lee has only been arrested once, a member of the Division of Pretrial Detention and Services recommended that Lee be denied bail, noting his juvenile history.

Judge Jackson ruled that Lee will remain detained.