After Mistrial, Motions Hearing and New Trial Date Set for Shooting Case

By Baltimore Witness Staff - October 8, 2021
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After Maryland Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Jones decided on a mistrial for a non-fatal shooting case because of a violation in disclosing evidence, counsel appeared in reception court Oct. 8 to schedule a date for two pending issues. 

Lasheena Stewart, 38, and Antwan Newton, 21, charged with attempted first-degree murder,  conspiracy to first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, conspiracy to attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, conspiracy to first-degree assault, second-degree assault, conspiracy to second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and firearm use in a felony-violent crime. Newton is also charged with carrying or wearing a handgun on person

The issues the court must deal with are whether the case should go forward to another trial or if double jeopardy is in play because the first trial resulted in a mistrial.  

Counsel suggested two separate dates to discuss the issues, but Judge Melissa Phinn insisted that a motions hearing and start of trial occur on the same day. She also accepted a motions hearing a few days before, insisting that the judge who presides over the motions hearing also presides over a new  trial.  

Counsel and the judge agreed on March 3-9 for the five day trial. The motions hearing will occur on Feb. 18. Judge Dana Middleton will preside over both proceedings. 

The defendants allegedly shot and paralyzed a 13-year-old girl on the 700 block of E. 20th Street on Nov. 22, 2019. According to the Baltimore Sun, the shooting sparked from a dispute at the victim’s school between the 13 year old, Stewart’s daughter and another classmate. 

Newton is being held in jail without bail. Stewart was placed on home detention.

Editor’s note: A jury found Antwan Newton not guilty on July 14. Lasheena Stewart’s case was dismissed on July 14.