Defense Counsel Prepares for Homicide Trial Just After Being Entered on the Case

By Alyssia Davis [former] - May 19, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A 30-year-old Baltimore man charged with first-degree murder may have his trial scheduled for July, despite his defense counsel just being entered on the case.

Quanta Worrell is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, two counts of use of a firearm during a violent crime, two counts of conspiracy to commit use of a firearm during a violent crime, having a loaded handgun on his person, having a handgun on his person, and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction in connection to an incident on March 25, 2020.

On May 19, counsel informed told Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland that they are not prepared for trial this upcoming July for several reasons.

The first reason, the prosecutor said, was because of a witness issue. Another issue dealt with a temporary attorney for the defendant.

Other issues included the fact that the trial date was initially scheduled was not chosen by counsel, the prosecutor said. It was just set for court seeing as the defendant did not have representation to discuss a date. 

The prosecutor noted that Thursday’s hearing was initially set as a pretrial conference so that the defendant’s defense attorney, Brandon Patterson, and herself could agree on a trial date that works for both of them.

In addition, the prosecutor also added that discovery is in its final stages and should be disclosed to the defense within a couple of days. 

Patterson, who was just assigned to Worrell, said he believes the July trial date is too soon. Patterson also said he has not yet received discovery regarding the case. 

In addition, Patterson noted that he is set for another murder case on July 11. 

After much consideration, Judge Copeland decided not to change the trial date, telling counsel to prepare for trial despite the defense just being entered on the case. 

According to Baltimore Fox 45, on March 25, 2020, Stephen Sanders, 38, hired Dimarcus Waldo, 54, to drive him to Queensberry and Oakley avenues in Northwest Baltimore’s Park Heights section. When Sanders arrived, Worrell directed him to meet him around the block so Waldo continued to drive Sanders. When Waldo got to the 3000 block of Oakley Avenue, prosecutors said Worrell and two others opened fire on the vehicle, firing at least 20 times into the car. Waldo was killed instantly. Sanders later died of his injuries.

Worrell’s next hearing is scheduled for July 8.