Judge Issues Continuance to Murder Defendant

By Ashley Brown [former] - December 9, 2022
Uncategorized |

During a Dec. 8 reception court proceeding, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn issued a continuance to a murder defendant whose defense attorney has neglected to visit him since his appointment of the case in September.

Jeffrey Chaney is charged with second-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon with the intent to injure in connection to the stabbing of 50–year-old Peter Riley on July 28 on the 600 block of West Lexington Avenue.

At Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution requested to continue the hearing as he is determining witness availability for trial and developing a plea offer for the defendant. 

Judge Phinn granted this request. 

According to the Baltimore Sun, the stabbing reportedly ensued after an argument arose between the two men.

Following the court’s issuing of a continuance, Chaney informed Judge Phinn that the facility he is being held in has declined to conduct an MRI on him. He allegedly sustained several injuries from the incident, including what he believes to be a broken neck.

“I am basically paralyzed on my right side now,” Chaney said. He also expressed his fear that exculpatory evidence from the case has been lost, stating that his new defense attorney, whose name is unlisted on the Maryland Judiciary website, has yet to visit him.

Judge Phinn ordered the defense to visit his client this weekend to review case matters with him. She also asserted that she lacks the authority to force the prison to provide him with an MRI but that his counsel can file paperwork for such.

The defense agreed to meet with Chaney this weekend.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 19 before Judge Phinn.