Attempted Homicide Suspect Denied Bail

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A 26-year-old Baltimore man accused of attempted murder was denied bail after a review hearing on Nov. 16 at Baltimore City Circuit Court.

Lyndon Pettiford is charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm use in a felony violent crime, firearm possession with a felony conviction, having a handgun on his person and in a vehicle, having a loaded handgun on his person and in a vehicle, and illegal possession of ammo.

Defense attorney Howard Cardin told the court that he believed that Pettiford was set up, alleging that his client was asked to come to the area for his child on Feb. 22 when the incident occurred. However, when Pettiford arrived, gunshots were fired.

Cardin alleged that someone else shot the victim and blamed it on the defendant. He also mentioned that there was no gun or gun residue found, and described the defendant as a “victim of a staged assault.”

Prosecution refuted the defense’s statements and told the court that a photo array was completed with the victim who identified Pettiford as the shooter in addition to another witness.

Pettiford told Judge Philip S. Jackson that he was going through a rough time and hanging out with the wrong crowd back then. The defendant also voiced his concerns of COVID-19, considering that he has bronchitis.

The defendant also said that he is allergic to food at the jail and told Judge Jackson that he “cannot survive under these conditions.”

Despite the defendant’s pleas, Judge Jackson ordered him detained, denying bail. Pettiford is scheduled for reception court on Nov 17.