Attempted Homicide Trial Postponed By 2 Days

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Jury selection for the homicide trial of a 31-year-old Baltimore man was postponed on Nov. 3 due to defense counsel’s conflicting schedule.

Keith Johnson is charged with attempted first-degree murder and second-degree murder in addition to assault, home invasion, armed robbery, robbery, burglary, and multiple firearms charges. His case was originally scheduled in reception court on Wednesday but moved before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer.

On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Schiffer informed the prosecution and defense attorney Tony Garcia that jury selection would begin on Nov. 5 as Garcia is presiding over a civil bench trial on Nov. 4. Jury selection could start earlier, she said, depending on the status of Garcia’s other trial.

Johnson is charged for allegedly shooting a 32-year-old man around 11:50 a.m. on April 17 near the Mondawmin Mall on the 3000 block of Tioga Parkway. He was arrested nearly a month later on May 10 on the 4600 block of Schley Avenue.

The defendant was denied bail in July and August, despite the victim recanting his statement implicating Johnson’s involvement in the shooting.

The victim appeared in court earlier Wednesday as a defendant in a separate assault case.

Judge Schiffer summoned the victim to return to court on Friday.