Defendant Rejects Life Plea in 2022 Belair Road Homicide Case

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On March 20, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn scheduled the trial date of a homicide defendant accused of murdering 29-year-old Markeece Jordan.

Defendant Keith Anderson and his defense attorney Michael Cooper rejected a plea of life plus 35 years for first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a felony violent crime, and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction.

During Monday’s hearing, Anderson, 44, elected to retain his Hick’s right, which is his right to be tried within 180 days of his or his attorney’s first court appearance. However, Judge Phinn found probable cause to go beyond this date of June 12, due to the availability of both counsels.

“You can’t find nothing earlier than that?” Anderson asked as he believed that his rights were being violated.

All parties are scheduled to begin trial on Aug. 28 with Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John Howard presiding. The trial is expected to last five days.

According to CBS News, Anderson allegedly shot Jordan after an argument for having an alleged affair with his partner on June 22, 2022. Jordan was shot multiple times on the 1900 block of Belair Road.

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