Trial Delayed for Man Accused of Brother’s Attempted Murder on Maryland Avenue

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A 34-year-old transgender man accused of his brother’s attempted murder had his trial postponed to April 3 due to the defense counsel’s illness.

Deaira Roary was scheduled to begin his trial on March 28 in Baltimore City Circuit Court; however, the case was rescheduled on March 29 after counsel reported defense attorney Robert Ness was ill.

Judge Barry Williams is expected to preside over the three-day trial next week.

Roary’s co-defendant, 30-year-old Destiny Nickelson, is also scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

According to court documents, Roary’s brother told Baltimore Police that the siblings got into an argument on the 2000 block of Maryland Avenue, where Roary and Nickelson drove up to the area in a burgundy Nissan Sentra. One of the suspects allegedly approached the victim from behind and put him in a headlock, while the other went through his pockets and stole an iPhone and keys.

The victim said one of the suspects attempted to stab him; however, medics only found the victim had a scrapped elbow. It was at this time that the man said he also heard a gun being cocked followed by three gunshots.

Court documents state that the victim’s story to police changed “a couple of times,” but no additional details were provided.

Police later reviewed camera footage of the incident that showed the victim and two suspects exchanging words. Although the robbery was not seen on camera, the footage showed Nickelson shooting at the victim.

Roary and Nickelson, who is also facing attempted murder charges, were arrested on the 1900 block of Belair Road, while police found the gun under the driver’s seat of the vehicle.