Defense Counsel’s Unavailability Delays Bowley’s Lane Attempted Murder Trial By Three Months

By Andrew Michaels - July 12, 2023
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

An attempted homicide defendant’s trial was postponed more than three months after his defense attorney had a personal emergency.

On July 11, Desmond Powell was set to begin his jury trial before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Althea Handy for attempted murder on July 17, 2022; however, defense attorney Janine Meckler, standing in for Angela Shelton, informed the court that Shelton’s basement had flooded and she was currently unavailable.

Despite counsel’s hopes of returning for a jury selection on Tuesday afternoon, Powell’s case was sent to Judge Melissa Phinn’s reception court, where it was rescheduled for Oct. 25 before Judge Kendra Ausby.

Brandon Taylor was listed as Powell’s new defense attorney as of July 12, according to the Maryland Judiciary website.

Charging documents state that Powell was arrested four days after he allegedly shot a 40-year-old man on the 5500 block of Bowley’s Lane during an altercation. He was arrested on July 21, 2022, on the 200 block of W. Pratt Street.

The 24-year-old defendant is currently charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, having a handgun on his person, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammo, and firearm use in a felony violent crime.