Circuit Court Judge Postpones Murder Defendant’s Scheduling Hearing Until February

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A Baltimore man charged with murder had his hearing rescheduled for next month due to missing evidence, according to defense counsel on Jan. 10 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

Donte Simms, 44, who is represented by Marci T. Johnson, is charged with first-degree murder, the use of a firearm during a felony violent crime and the possession of a firearm with a felony conviction in connection to an incident on Aug. 15, 2022.

According to a news release, on the day of the incident, officers were called to the 300 block of Park Avenue for reports of a shooting. On arrival, officers found 35-year-old Eric Plater suffering from a gunshot wound. 

The victim was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Simms’ next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8, with Judge Melissa Phinn presiding.

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