Homicide Defendant Case Not Called in Reception Court

By Sarah Waterfield [former] - February 9, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

The case of a homicide defendant was not called during reception court on Feb. 8 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn. 

Calvin Stevens, 30, is charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm during a violent crime in connection to an incident that occurred on Jan. 15, 2020.

According to CBS Baltimore, on Jan. 15, 2020 officers were called to the 200 block of West Baltimore Street for reports of shots being fired, where they found 20-year-old Khari Johnson suffering from a gunshot wound. 

In September of 2021, Stevens rejected a plea deal of life, suspending all but 60 years, for first-degree murder, and 20 years, the first five without the possibility of parole, for firearm use during a felony violent crime. The sentences were slated to be served concurrently.

After rejecting the plea, Lawlor told Judge Phinn that an agreed upon trial date between the defense and the prosecution was May 23, 2022.

Judge Phinn rejected such a delayed date , and Stevens was in agreement.

Counsel then agreed upon a trial date of Feb. 8.

Baltimore Witness previously reported that, in July, Stevens’ case was sent to be tried in Prince George’s County because of an undisclosed conflict of interest. According to Marylan’s Judiciary website, the case, which has seven prosecutors working on it, includes two prosecutors from the county.

Even though a postponement form was filed on Jan. 31, according to Maryland’s Judiciary website, Stevens’ next hearing is not yet determined.