In Efforts to Pick New Trial Date Before Year’s End, Judge Continues Homicide Defendant’s Hearing

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn continued a homicide defendant’s hearing until next Monday to allow counsel to pick a trial date after the defendant rejected a plea of life in prison on May 17.

Taiwan Mitchell, and his defense counsel Staci Pipkin, rejected a plea of life, suspending all but 50 years for first-degree murder.

Mitchell, 40, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of possession of pellet handgun in connection to the murder of 36-year-old Roy Henry Cantler III on Nov. 13, 2021.

According to a news release, on the day of the incident, officers were called to the 2200 block of Christian Street for reports of a shooting. On arrival, officers found Cantler suffering from a gunshot wound.

Mitchell’s hearing was set to continue on May 22.