Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland addressed scheduling in a multi-defendant homicide case during reception court proceedings March 20.
The case stems from the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Deon Beasley on the 800 block of Washington Boulevard on Jan. 12, 2024. Baltimore Police responded to the scene around 4:13 p.m. after a ShotSpotter alert and found Beasley suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he was pronounced dead.
According to a press release, officers pursued a vehicle fleeing the scene following the shooting. Hammond and Joyner were arrested, interview and released. The vehicle later struck a police car and hit a guardrail. The occupants were detained and interviewed as part of the investigation.
Authorities subsequently arrested four individuals in connection with the incident: Terrill Barfield, 37; James Hammond, 40; Lakeem Whitaker, 26; and Jarvis Sir Goria Joyner, 32.
Barfield, Hammond, and Whitaker are charged with first- and second-degree murder, while Joyner faces first-degree murder charges. .
During Friday’s hearing, the prosecution said they intend to join the defendants in groups of two. According to the prosecutor, Hammond and Whitaker would be joined for one trial, while Barfield and Joyner would be joined for another.
Hammond’s case had recently been reassigned and the defense attorneys requested additional time to review evidence.
Hammond was represented by Gabrielle Michelle and Karen High, Augustine Okeke represented Whitaker, Anne Stewart Hill represented Barfield, and Jerry Rodrigues represented Joyner.
A motion hearing to join Hammond and Whitaker’s cases is scheduled for May 14 before after which trial dates will be set.
Barfield and Joyner are scheduled for a motions hearing on March 30 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Michael Di Pietro to join the cases. The parties are expected to return on March 31 to address trial scheduling.
