Co-Defendants in 2020 Homicide Case Receive Trial Date

By Rudy Malcom [former] - August 11, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

Two homicide defendants received a trial date on Aug. 11 during reception court at Baltimore City Circuit Court.

Baltimore residents Gary Watkins and Dante Gregg are being charged for a homicide that occurred on Feb. 7, 2020. Gregg, 20, is also charged in a homicide case from Sept. 30, 2019.

On Wednesday, the prosecution offered Watkins, 56, a plea of life, suspending all but 50 years, with five years of probation, for first-degree murder, and 15 years to run concurrently for attempted first-degree murder. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and firearm use in a violent crime.

Defense attorney John Cox rejected the offer on his client’s behalf. Cox also rejected the plea that Gregg was offered: life, suspending all but 40 years, with five years probation, for first-degree murder. Gregg is also charged with attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and firearm use in a violent crime. 

Judge Melissa K. Copeland scheduled the case for trial on Feb. 22, 2022, with Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer presiding. According to the defense, the primary detective in the case will be on vacation that week; however, Judge Copeland said a motion should be made for him to attend the trial via Zoom.