Judge Continues Hearing for 15-Year-Old Murder Defendant

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During a Nov. 21 reception court proceeding, Baltimore City Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn issued a continuance for a 15-year-old murder defendant as parties await the selection of a new prosecutor. The defendant will be tried as an adult.

Tavon Scott is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm during a violent felony, carrying or wearing a handgun on person, and possession of a firearm by a minor in connection to the shooting of 48-year-old Timothy Reynolds at the intersection of Light and Conway Street near the Inner Harbor on Aug 7.

At Monday’s hearing, the prosecution failed to prepare an offer pending the appointment of a new attorney. Judge Phinn ordered the parties to continue matters and select another date to reconvene.

According to the WMAR-2 Baltimore News, Scott allegedly perpetrated the shooting in what his defense attorneys, Warren Brown and Wyndal Gordon, consider “a case of perfect self-defense.”

Scott, who was 14 years old at the time of the incident, was reportedly working as a squeegee worker when Reynolds pulled over his car, crossed several lanes of traffic on the highway, and approached the defendant and the other boys accompanying him wielding a baseball bat.

Reynolds, a grown man possessing a large stature at over 6 feet and 200 pounds, posed a substantial threat to Scott, who was merely 5-foot-6, the defense alleges.

In response, Scott fired five shots at the victim, killing him.

Parties are expected to return to court on Dec. 20 to address matters further.

Judge Phinn hopes the prosecution will be prepared to present a plea offer at the next proceeding.

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