Charges Dismissed Against Attempted Homicide Defendant

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Charges against a 31-year-old attempted homicide defendant were dismissed on Nov. 1 after the prosecution failed to reach two witnesses for trial.

Jury selection was scheduled to start on Nov. 1 with the trial beginning shortly afterwards for five days.

Marquis Dukes, a Baltimore resident, was charged with two counts each of attempted first and second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, two counts of felony use of a firearm in a violent crime, and one count of discharging firearms, firearm possession with a felony conviction, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, possession of firearms with drug possession, and having a handgun on his person.

Dukes previously received a plea of 30 years, suspending all but 20 years, with five years of probation for attempted first-degree murder, and five years without parole for use of a firearm in a violent crime. Under the plea, the sentences would run concurrently; however, the offer was rejected on July 2.

On Monday, the prosecution informed Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Christopher L. Panos that he failed to contact and serve subpoenas to two witnesses whose appearances were necessary for trial.

The prosecution moved to dismiss the charges against Dukes, who was represented by Brandon Mead.