Attempted Murder Defendant Trial is Scheduled for April

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A 19-year-old Baltimore resident accused of an attempted murder earlier this year was offered a plea deal on Nov. 16 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn.

Arnell Lee, is charged with first and second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, use of a firearm in a violent crime, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm as a minor, and discharging firearms within Baltimore City in connection to an incident on Jan. 23.

Judge Phinn listened as the prosecutor presented a plea of 25 years, suspending all but 15 years, with three years supervised probation for first-degree murder, and five years without parole for use of a firearm in a violent crime. The sentences are slated to run concurrently.

However, Lee and his defense attorney, James Rhodes, rejected the offer. Lee also maintained his Hick’s date, which is his right to be tried within 180 days of his first court appearance.

According to WMAR Baltimore, on Jan. 23, officers responded to the 2400 block of Liberty Heights Avenue, where they found a 26-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds.

Lee’s trial is scheduled for April 19, 2022, with Judge Kendra Y. Ausby presiding.