Judge Grants Trial Postponement for Defendant Accused in Sturbridge Drive Murder Case

By Khalaisha James [former] - March 15, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 14, a prosecutor and defense attorneys for a defendant charged with murder agreed to a joint request for trial postponement before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phin.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the assistant state’s attorney informed the court of concerns regarding the health of the lead witness in the case against defendant Donzo Monk. She stated she also wanted to give the defense more time to review files that were not previously able to be downloaded. 

Defense attorney Augustine Okeke agreed that he needed more time to review files. Judge Phinn granted their request. 

Monk, 27, is charged with first-degree murder, using a firearm in a felony violent crime, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, having a handgun on his person, having a handgun in a vehicle, and possessing a firearm with a felony conviction and connection to an incident that occurred on March 10, 2022.

According to a Baltimore Police Department (BPD) news release, on the day of the incident, officers responded to a call on the 6800 block of Sturbridge Drive, where 26-year-old Bryant Timmons had suffered a fatal gunshot. Timmons was taken to a hospital, where he died three days later.

On Sept. 16, Monk rejected a plea of life in prison for first-degree murder and 20 years, with the first five years without parole, for the use of a firearm during a felony violent crime. 

The defendant’s trial is scheduled to begin on June 7 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John A. Howard. The trial is expected to last two days.