Judge Denies Defense’s Motion to Dismiss Charges in 2020 Homicide Case

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On Aug. 14, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Charles J. Peters, denied a motion to dismiss a first-degree homicide case.

Defense attorney, Bradley L. Macfee requested a motion to dismiss on behalf of his client Terrence Carter citing a speedy trial violation. Macfee said the prosecution acted in bad faith by dismissing Carter’s case on the day of his trial and then recharging him. Macfee claimed that Carter, 34, had been charged more than three years ago which violated his client’s right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution claimed that they did not act in bad faith and dismissed Carter’s case because they were unable to locate a witness for trial. Judge Peters claimed that because Macfee had previously asked for a postponement the prosecution was not responsible for prolonging the case. Judge Peters also said that because charges against Carter were dismissed and recharged Macfee could not say Carter has been waiting for a trial for more than three years. Judge Peter denied the motion to dismiss. 

Carter is charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction.

According to charging statements, on May 22, 2020, police officers responded to a shooting on the 4200 block of Norfolk Avenue. Upon arrival, police officers found 60-year-old Steven Lamont Clark Sr. suffering from a gunshot wound. Clark was transported to Sanai Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Video surveillance and witnesses identified Carter as a suspect.