Division Street Non-Fatal Shooting Trial Postponed Until October

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On June 7, a 41-year-old Baltimore resident charged with a 2022 murder exclaimed, “C’mon man,” after Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn scheduled his trial to begin in October.

Due to Nathaniel Hope’s defense counsel Brian Murphy being in another trial for the rest of the week, Hope’s case was sent to reception court.

Judge Phinn rescheduled the trial to start on Oct. 2 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Kendra Y. Ausby. The trial is expected to last three days.

Hope complained about the date selection, despite Murphy stating they agreed beforehand to the new date.

“Your lawyer picked out that date,” said Judge Phinn.

“October, though?” groaned Hope, as he continuously brought up how he did not think his case would occur in October throughout the hearing.

According to court documents, Hope is charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony violent crime, firearm possession with a felony conviction, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, carrying a handgun on his person and discharging firearms on the 1300 block of Division Street on July 18, 2022.

Documents state after a dispute over the victim playing music on his speaker, Hope got into the victim’s car, sped off, drove around the corner, and came back to the same location. After parking the victim’s car and exiting the vehicle, Hope pulled out a handgun and shot two rounds at the victim, neither of which successfully struck him before Hope fled the area again.

Hope was identified as a suspect after his pictures were confirmed by the victim and detectives.