Defense Requests to Delay Homicide Trial

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During a reception court hearing Sept. 17, before Judge Melissa K. Copeland , a murder defendant’s trial was delayed.

Riccardo Demond King, 43, is charged with first-degree murder and multiple other gun-related offenses in connection to a fatal shooting incident that occurred Oct. 27, 2024, on the 1900 block of W. Fayette Street. Officers responding to the scene transported Marvin Jerl Wooten, 47, to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

A .45-caliber shell casing was recovered from the scene, as well as an Orioles baseball cap. Witnesses noted hearing an argument outside before the shooting.

Trial proceedings were delayed because King’s defense attorney, Donald Wright, was unavailable because of a conflicting trial. The prosecution and Wright’s stand-in attorney also noted Wright had yet to review evidence in King’s case.

Judge Nicole K. Barmore granted the postponement request and moved the case to reception court for a new hearing date.

King was arrested Nov. 7, 2024, while driving a Nissan Altima on the 5900 block of Bellona Avenue. A search and seizure warrant was conducted on his house on the 5100 block of Craig Avenue, where officers recovered nine .45-caliber brass bullets and a magazine located in his bedroom. King was prohibited from possessing a regulated firearm due to a second-degree assault conviction from September 2003.

Judge Copeland expressed frustration over Wright’s lack of preparation with King’s speedy trial deadline approaching on Sept. 22. King chose to waive the deadline in favor of a rescheduled hearing.

Judge Copeland postponed the matter to Sept. 19 to allow counsel time to prepare for a new trial date.