Defendant Seeks New Attorney After Mistrial

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Murder defendant Jason Williams, 37, appeared before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland on Aug. 18 for a new trial date.

He is charged with first-degree murder and several related handgun charges in connection to the fatal shooting of 58-year-old Solomon Wise on Nov. 3, 2024, on the 4200 block of Sheldon Avenue.

Williams briefly represented himself on Aug. 15 after dismissing his defense attorney Jerry Rodriguez.in a proceeding that concluded in a mistrial. Taking over his own defense, Williams presented a lengthy closing argument before the jury and Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Michael A. DiPietro in which he attacked what he termed inconsistencies in the prosecution’s surveillance evidence and complained that police used improper methods to identify him as a suspect.

For its part the prosecution introduced substantial surveillance footage they say linked Williams to the crime as well as three Baltimore Police Department (BPD) positively identifying Williams as the suspect based on past encounters.

Williams requested a postponement to find a new attorney and Judge Copeland gave him 90 days to do so.

The judge informed Williams that it was unlikely he would be tried this year since a new attorney would not have his case until the fall. Williams said that it was not an issue.

Williams’ case will return to reception court on Nov. 21 where a trial date is expected to be scheduled.