Court Reconsiders Trial Date For Pair Accused of Contract Killings

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland scheduled counsel for Cornell Moore, 38, and Keith Russell, 39 – codefendants in a chain of murder-to-hire homicides, non-fatal shootings, and carjackings dating back to 2020 – to return to court March 31 to set a jury trial date after learning the prosecution for Moore’s case would be unavailable until late October.

Russell faces 37 charges and Moore 41. Both were convicted for participation in a criminal organization, first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, as well as related firearm and carjacking charges, in relation to the deaths of at least seven people across Maryland. Six of the murders occurred in Baltimore City.

The pair, who are believed to be part of a hit organization, allegedly stole cars and crossed state lines to commit the murders, using illicit methods to conceal their payments for the deeds. Of their alleged targets, two are known to have survived.

Moore was accused in October 2020 of murdering David Reid, 32, in the 2400 block of East Preston Street.

Almost a year later, on Sep. 14, 2021, Moore allegedly shot and killed 29-year-old Shabro Meredith in the 1800 block of N. Smallwood Street. Members of the supposed murder-to-hire organization were accused of using identity fraud to purchase a car in California and drive it to Maryland.

Police suspect Russell and Moore drove the car to the incident location to carry out the hit. The vehicle was found abandoned in Gwynn Oak. The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) Warrant Apprehension Task Force arrested Moore on Feb. 7, 2023 in the 4700 block of Mount Hope Drive for Meredith’s murder.

In May 2022, the pair were alleged to have shot and killed Angel Smith, who was seven months pregnant, and her fiancé, Yahmell Montague, in May 2022. BPD stated that the baby survived.

Judge Copeland noted that scheduling the jury trial, which is projected to last between six to eight weeks due to the sheer volume of cases between the two defendants, would be difficult because of the prosecution’s lack of availability until late October. If scheduled in accordance with the prosecution’s request, said Judge Copeland, the court would have to hold the jury for 10 to 12 weeks due to the multiple holidays throughout November and December. Neither defendant wished to waive their late April Hicks dates and requested speedy trial within the 180 day requirement from first court appearance.

“This case has to start in the beginning of October,” Judge Copeland told the prosecution. “You’re probably not going to finish by the end of 2025.”