Judge Denies Bail for Assault Defendant Awaiting Retrial

By Jordan Fortuna [former] - November 30, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

On Nov. 28, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Christopher L. Panos denied bail to a defendant while he waits for a retrial date.

Maurice Wilkerson will now face trial again for a shooting that occurred on April 8, 2017, when three people were injured according to previous Baltimore Witness reporting. 

On Sept. 7, 2018, Wilkerson, 34, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for an assault charge, reckless endangerment and four weapons related charges in connection to a shooting on the 800 block of East North Avenue. The victims sustained serious injuries and had to be hospitalized.

The verdict found Wilkerson not guilty of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree attempted murder and attempted voluntary manslaughter. 

In July 2021, Wilkerson won a post conviction appeal to overturn the original verdict and the sentencing because the defense found two new witnesses that could provide an alibi for Wilkerson. 

However, the prosecution also submitted a post conviction appeal to overturn the not guilty verdict, so Wilkerson could be re-tried for the original charges. A judge has not ruled on the prosecution’s request.

On Sept. 12, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn granted a motion for a new trial.

Then on Nov. 28, Wilkerson was denied bail by Judge Panos, because Wilkerson allegedly failed to comply with probation requirements twice, and in addition the nature of his pending offenses and prior convictions that include first-degree assault, concealment of a deadly weapon and violating probation.

Wilkerson is scheduled for reception court on Dec. 6 to select a new trial date.