Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Case for Two Attempted Murder Defendants

By Jordan Fortuna [former] - October 5, 2023
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

On Oct. 5, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Myshala E. Middleton denied motions from defense attorneys John Deros and Karyn Meriwether to dismiss cases against two attempted murder defendants based on false identification and unlawful arrest. 

Deros represented Rudolph Riddick and Meriwether represented Dartagnan Smith, both are charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, having a handgun on their persons, use of a firearm in a felony violent crime, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, conspiracy to carry a handgun and conspiracy to use a firearm in a felony violent crime in connection to an August 2022 incident.

In addition, Smith is also charged with discharging a firearm, possessing a firearm with a felony conviction, illegal possession of a regulated firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. 

The original purpose of the hearing was to determine if facial recognition technology was used to identify Smith or Riddick. Judge Middleton determined that it was not used after the lead detective on the case testified. Then both parties made motions for Judge Middleton to dismiss the case as it was not clear there was sufficient evidence for the two defendants to be tried.

On Oct 6. Judge Melissa M. Phinn heard the cases in reception court. They will not be tried together. Riddick’s trial will start on Feb 1, 2024, before Judge Lawerence P. Fletcher-Hill. Smith’s trial will begin on Feb. 20, 2024, before Judge Lynn S. Mays. 

According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, Smith, 24, and Riddick, 26, are both charged in connection with an incident that took place on Aug. 16, 2022, on the 1200 block of West Baltimore Street. A victim was shot three times as a white sedan drove past him. Surveillance footage and still images identified Riddick as the driver and Smith as a passenger. Smith was also struck during the incident.