Defendant Rejects Plea Deal in 2022 E. Madison Avenue Non-Fatal Shooting Case

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On April 13, a 35-year-old defendant charged with attempted murder rejected a plea before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

Matthew Connell, who represents Michael Harris, informed the court of the plea deal containing 50 years for attempted first-degree murder; a concurrent sentence of five years without parole for the possession of a firearm with a felony conviction; and additionally a consecutive sentence of five years without parole for the use of a firearm during a felony violent crime was rejected by his client.

According to court documents, at 06:36 p.m. on Nov. 9, 2022, officers responded to a shooting report at the intersection of E. Madison and Edison Highway. No victims or suspects were found at the scene initially, but later a crime scene was discovered on the 3200 block of E. Madison Avenue. Shortly after, two victims arrived at to a nearby hospital. One victim, Harris’ sister, had a gunshot wound to the face and the other victim had seven gunshot wounds to the body. The investigation revealed that Harris was upset over his sister getting assaulted the day prior, and believed the second victim did it.

On Dec. 9, 2022, Harris and an unidentified co-defendant approached the scene where his sister’s car was towed, both armed with guns. They both demanded the suspected assailant move away from Harris’ sister. When his sister refused to move out of the way, Harris and his co-defendant opened fire, injuring both Harris’ sister and the suspected assailant. Harris’ sister positively identified Harris as the one who shot her and the alleged assailant during a recorded interview on a body-worn camera.

Judge Phinn scheduled a jury trial to start on Aug. 4 before Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Dana M. Middleton.

Connell is charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, possessing a firearm with a felony conviction, illegally possessing a regulated firearm, illegally possessing ammo, using a firearm during a felony-violent crime, having a handgun on his person, discharging firearms, and reckless endangerment.