Judge Schedules Alleged Gang Member’s Two-Week Trial

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A 40-year-old defendant accused of murder and gang activity received a trial date before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn on Dec. 15.

James Brunson is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, participation in a criminal organization, organizing, supervising and financing a criminal organization, conspiracy to organize, supervise and finance a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit an unlawful act, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm possession with a felony conviction, possessing a rifle or shotgun with a mental disability, possessing a rifle or shotgun with a felony conviction and possession of non-marijuana narcotics in connection to a Nov. 1, 2021, incident.

The assistant attorney general offered Brunson an aggregate offer of 20 years, the first 10 years without the possibility of parole, for participation in a criminal organization, conspiracy to organize, supervise and finance a criminal organization, first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime and firearm possession with a felony conviction. Brunson rejected the offer.

Brunson and his attorney Angela Shelton will appear at his two-week trial beginning on June 3, 2024.

Brunson and over 30 other defendants were indicted as members of a gang. Brunson specifically was named as a “manager” of the gang’s narcotics distribution operation on the corner of West Baltimore Street and North Bentalou Street.