Shooting Defendant’s Case Nolle Pros Due to Prosecution Being Unprepared

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A non-fatal shooting defendant had his case nolle pros by the prosecution during reception court on Oct. 25 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

Judge Phinn found no reason to postpone the defendant’s trial which was set to begin on Tuesday despite prosecutors asking for additional time.

The defendant is charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, use of a firearm in a felony violent crime, having a loaded handgun on his person, discharging firearms and reckless endangerment in connection with an incident on June 26.

The prosecutor had initially offered a capped plea of nine years in prison for first-degree assault. However, Judge Phinn said she did not accept capped sentences and ordered that they schedule a trial date.

The prosecutor assigned to the case said he needed time to schedule transportation for the victims as well as an interpreter before he could begin trial. Judge Phinn said that an interpreter was available and insisted they start today. The prosecution then entered a nolle pros.

According to the Maryland Judiciary website, the defendant was represented by Omid Azari and Ahment Hisim.