Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence R. Daniels ordered a retrial for 33-year-old homicide defendant Jermaine Sanders after defense attorney Donald Wright brought forth new evidence during the sentencing hearing.
The jury found Sanders guilty of conspiracy to commit armed robbery on Jan. 22 and acquitted him of eight charges, including first-degree murder and assault, armed robbery, firearm possession and use in a felony or violent crime, and having a loaded gun on his person and in his vehicle.
Wright claimed that, four days before the trial, the prosecution broke the rules of evidence by sending the defendant notice that allowed them to access and use phone and email records as evidence. This, he claimed, deprived him and Sanders of necessary time to prepare for trial.
Wright stressed that the records were the only evidence that could link Sanders to the crime and said it was imperative that he receive more time to respond.
Judge Lawrence acknowledged Wright’s request, citing fairness, and ruled in his favor.
Sanders’ new trial date is yet to be scheduled.
