Judge Grants Homicide Defendant Emergency 3-Day Release

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A homicide defendant was granted an emergency 3-day release by Judge Philip S. Jackson at the Baltimore City Circuit Court on Oct 19.

On June 14, officers responded to a complaint of a party on the 2300 block of Winchester Street. Two officers noticed a vehicle that sped into a nearby parking lot and began to approach the driver. When they noticed the defendant, Christopher Earl, was armed, officers tried to restrain him, causing a struggle to ensue. During the struggle, a gun was fired, shooting one of the officers in the torso.

Earl was charged with first-degree attempted murder, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, carrying a handgun, and possession of a firearm within 100 yards of a school. He also faces three counts of first and second-degree assault and firearm use in a violent crime.

Defense attorney John Cox understands the seriousness of these allegations but asked Judge Jackson to consider releasing him for three days for the viewing and funeral of his grandmother. Cox requested Earl’s release with GPS and alcohol monitoring.

The prosecutor said that while his empathy sides with the defendant, he still has a job to do and believes that Earl is a threat to public safety and should not be released. The prosecutor reminded Judge Jackson of his earlier decision in December of 2020 to not release the defendant, along with Judge Melissa M. Phinn’s decision to not release Earl in May.

Being that the altercation was captured entirely on body camera and the guidelines for the defendant’s sentence is about 20 years, the prosecution said the defendant is a flight risk and should continue to not be released.

After both sides had the chance to state their case, Judge Jackson decided to release Earl until Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. Earl is released under home detention monitoring.

Earl’s trial is scheduled for March 10, 2022.