Attempted Murder Defendant’s Trial Waits for Counsel

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An attempted murder defendant went before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland in order to schedule his trial on June 17.

Ricardo Clarke, 43, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree attempt to kill, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, firearm use in a felony violent crime, having a loaded handgun on his person and having a gun on his person in connection to an incident that occurred Feb. 23, 2023, on the 1000 block of Herndon Court.

Clarke stated that he does not currently have a defense attorney, but has requested a public defender. Judge Copeland scheduled his trial for Aug. 6, before Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer which is expected to last three days.

According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, Clarke allegedly shot his girlfriend of 10 years in the arm after an argument. The victim took an Uber to MedStar Harbor Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries. Baltimore Police Department investigators believe there was a history of domestic violence in the relationship.