Attempted Murder Suspect Rejects Plea Deal

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In a March 14 hearing before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland,an attempted murder suspect turned down a plea offer in reception court.

Gregory Barnes, 48, is accused in a nine-count indictment of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm possession in a drug offense, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and reckless endangerment in connection to an incident on Dec. 12, 2023.

In a brief appearance, Barnes declined the prosecution’s offer to plead guilty to the attempted murder charges in return for a life sentence, suspending all but 15 years, with five years of supervised probation and a requirement to stay away from the victim.

Barnes said he had not seen the offer but through his attorney, Koryn High, rejected the deal and requested a trial. Judge Copeland assigned the case to Judge Althea M. Handy for a three-day trial starting May 28.

Following a ruling last month, Barnes was jailed without bail.