A Baltimore judge refused to postpone proceedings in a Northeast Baltimore shooting case on Feb. 20 despite notice from defense counsel that 18-year-old defendant Kyree Brannon “fully intended” to enter a guilty plea on Monday.
Brannon is charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and four firearm violations for allegedly shooting at a fellow teenager without warning last spring. The shooting, which occurred in a residential area on the afternoon of April 27, 2025, left the victim requiring treatment for gunshot wounds to his left arm and back. Prior to the discharging, the two teenagers had simply been walking along the 5800 block of Northwood Drive.
In her refusal to postpone matters, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Yolanda A. Tanner expressed frustration with both the state’s attorney and defense attorney Justin Hollimon, noting prior delays in proceedings and telling counsel that the court “can’t hold this over til Monday.”
The day prior, the state’s attorney had brought Brannon’s case to reception court to request a postponement due to the fact that she was scheduled to prosecute another criminal case that morning. Judge Melissa K. Copeland denied the request and admonished the state’s attorney, citing persistent concerns with her trial preparation and scheduling.
“My experience with you is your preparation,” Judge Copeland said. “I need you to tell me more fully what the issue became with Mr. Brannon’s case that you’re not prepped.”
Despite explanations from the state’s attorney, Judge Copeland ultimately ordered her to return to Judge Tanner’s courtroom and prepare for trial. However, as Judge Tanner had already begun hearing other matters, Brannon’s case was pushed to the following morning.
During Feb. 20 proceedings, Hollimon explained that Brannon’s wish to enter a guilty plea on Monday rested on plans to speak with the victim over the weekend. The state’s attorney added that she had offered to keep the plea on the table until Monday to accommodate Brannon’s wishes.
Following the court’s orders, counsel began the process of selecting a jury panel.
