The trial of 19-year-old Anthony Berry may face its fourth postponement in less than 10 months as his defense counsel is currently trying another case in Baltimore City Circuit Court.
On Jan. 12, Berry arrived at Judge Robert K. Taylor Jr.’s courtroom and privately discussed the prosecutor’s plea offer with his attorney, Natalie Finegar, for a second time upon defense counsel’s request. The offer was not stated in open court, but Finegar told the judge moments later that her client wished to proceed to trial.
Prior to Berry’s arrival, Judge Taylor acknowledged a rape trial that was also set to begin before him on Monday, with Finegar representing that defendant as well. Following Berry’s decision to proceed to trial, the judge sent the prosecutor trying Berry’s case to postponement court for a new trial date.
Judge Melissa K. Copeland agreed to hold the case over until reception court on Jan. 13 when counsel is expected to reschedule Berry’s trial.
The attempted murder case’s most recent setback was on Dec. 2, 2025, when Judge Copeland granted the prosecutor’s request for postponement after learning the lead detective had a family medical emergency. Although Finegar was not opposed, the defense attorney noted that Berry’s “case has some age on it” and requested a new trial date be set soon.
Judge Copeland also granted a joint request for postponement in October 2025. Defense counsel was unable to access cellphone extraction data necessary to review key pieces of evidence. Berry’s March 2025 postponement was due to the former opposing counsel’s illness.
Berry is currently charged with multiple counts of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first-degree assault and several weapons violations. The defendant reportedly shot two 21-year-old men on the 400 block of South Broadway on Feb. 18, 2024.
One victim was found with a gunshot wound, while the other suffered graze wounds.
Berry was arrested on Oct. 8, 2024.
