Attempted Murder Suspect Rejects Multiple Pleas, Set for Trial

By Andrew Michaels - August 19, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting |

The attempted murder case against Baltimore resident Melvin Tucker will go to trial in January 2022.

Tucker, 39, is charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, firearm use in a violent crime, reckless endangerment; carrying a handgun 100 yards in Baltimore, carrying a handgun on his person, having a handgun in his vehicle, discharging a gun in the city, and illegal possession of ammunition.

On Aug. 19, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn listened as the prosecutor reiterated a previously rejected plea that was offered nearly a month ago: 25 years, suspending all but eight, for attempted second-degree murder; five years without the possibility of parole for using a handgun in a violent crime; and three years for reckless endangerment, with three years of supervised probation upon release.

The sentences would run concurrently.

Defense attorney Robert Cole Jr. and Tucker, once again, rejected the offer.

Thursday’s proceeding was scheduled for Tucker to waive his Hick’s date—defendant’s right under Maryland law to be tried within 180 days of his first court appearance—however, Tucker declined. Judge Phinn found cause to schedule Tucker’s trial past Hick’s due to Cole’s availability and set the trial for Jan. 20, 2022.

Prosecution first presented Tucker with a plea on June 23 of 50 years, suspending all but eight years, for attempted second-degree murder, as well as five years without parole for firearm use in a violent crime. The sentences would have run concurrently; however, Tucker and Cole rejected the offer.