Defendant Receives June Trial Dates for Two Murder Cases

By Breanna Pompey [former] - February 22, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 20, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland gave homicide defendant Jaheim Battle two June trial dates. 

Battle, 21, is allegedly connected to two separate homicide incidents that took place in January 2022.

For a homicide on Jan. 19, Battle is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and four counts of firearm use in a felony violent crime, as well as attempted first and second-degree murder, first-degree assault and possession of a firearm as a minor. 

For the Jan. 30 homicide of 66-year-old Clarence Joseph Buckner, Battle is charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, firearm use in a felony violent crime and possession of a firearm as a minor.

The trial was originally set for five days starting Feb. 14. However, Battle’s defense, Maureen O’Leary, requested a postponement. 

Judge Copeland set two separate four-day trial dates, one starting June 4 and one on June 10. Both trials will be before Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, Battle and his sister followed Buckner from the Horseshoe Casino to his home on the 3300 block of Ruekert Avenue. Battle’s sister knocked on Buckner’s door, asking to use the bathroom and then texted Battle to enter the house.

Battle allegedly entered at gunpoint, demanded money and threatened to shoot Buckner’s wife. Buckner was shot in the chest during the incident. Battle reportedly confessed to the robbery and shooting in an interview with Baltimore Police Department detectives, leading to his and his sister’s arrests.