Defense Anticipates Plea for Man Charged with Homicide After Victim’s Death Nearly a Decade Later

By Andrew Michaels - January 21, 2022
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

The case of a 29-year-old Owings Mills man who is charged with homicide following a victim’s death nearly a decade after the shooting is expected to “accelerate” with a plea hearing scheduled this June, according to defense counsel.

In Baltimore City Circuit Court on Jan. 21, defense attorney John Hassett told Judge Melissa M. Phinn that a plea agreement for his client, Corey Jamal Jennings, will likely be reached in the coming months given further discussion with the victim’s family next week.

Counsel agreed to return to reception court on June 6 when a plea is expected to be presented and accepted.

Jennings is currently serving 20 years in prison for the attempted murder of 34-year-old Ryan Watson after pleading guilty in 2012 for shooting the victim in the neck on the 2500 block of Boarman Avenue on June 14, 2011.

Over the years, Watson suffered from numerous medical complications, leaving him paralyzed, prior to his death on June 14, 2020. Medical examiners ruled Watson’s death a homicide five days later.

The defendant is now facing charges of first-degree murder, firearm use during a felony violent crime, and having a handgun on his person.

In July 2021, Hassett told the court that there was not yet an offer due to the complicated nature of the case. A few weeks later, Jennings waived his right to a speedy trial and Hassett reiterated that a plea deal was anticipated to avoid trial.