Counsel Reschedules Murder Defendant’s Trial Due to Being Unavailable

By Alyssia Davis [former] - May 16, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On May 15, a Baltimore resident’s trial, which was initially scheduled to begin on Monday, was rescheduled towards the end of the year due to counsel being unable to try the case. 

Tavon Battle, 35, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, four counts of possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, and having a handgun on his person in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Kelsey Washington on Nov. 7, 2022. 

The prosecutor said she was not able to try the case because she had another trial scheduled on the same date as the defendant’s original trial date. 

The prosecution’s next available date would go past June 26, which is exactly 180 days after the defendant’s first appearance in court for this case.

The prosecutor also informed the court that she had no plea to offer Battle before Baltimore City Circuit Judge Melissa M. Phinn. 

According to a news release, on the day of the incident, officers were called to the 1400 block of E. Fayette Street where they found Washington with a gunshot wound.  A few days later, the victim was declared brain dead on Nov.12. 

Battle’s trial was rescheduled for Oct. 31. It is expected to last five days, according to the counsel.