Judge Postponed 2022 Ellwood Avenue Non-Fatal Shooting Trial to October

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On Aug. 4, due to evidence material not being reviewed in a timely manner, a 35-year-old defendant charged with attempted murder in 2022 was scheduled to start trial in October.

Defense Counsel Matthew Connell, representing Kenneth Oakley, informed Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Robert K. Taylor Jr. that Oakley had yet to review all 90 videos of evidence and prosecution had given Connell DNA results in less than 90 days from the trial. Although his client was not at the hearing, Connell said that Oakley agreed to delay his trial the day prior.

The case was then referred to reception court before Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

Judge Phinn scheduled the seven-day trial to begin on Oct. 23; however, the presiding judge is currently unknown.

As stated on the Maryland Judiciary website, Oakley is charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, reckless endangerment, two counts of firearm possession with a felony conviction, possession of firearms with a drug conviction, having a loaded handgun on his person, having a handgun on his person, illegal possession of ammo and discharging firearms.

According to court documents, on Sept. 24, 2022, a Baltimore Police Department officer was called to the 1300 block of Ellwood Avenue for reports of a shooting. The victim told police that he left his vehicle parked on Ellwood Avenue and was walking into a rear alley toward his mother’s house when he saw Oakley aiming a handgun in his direction. Oakley allegedly fired two shots, but the victim was not injured.

One 9mm cartridge casing was located on the ground where the victim stated he observed Oakley.

Surveillance footage showed Oakley at the scene, where he was seen approaching an alley fence, raising a handgun in his left hand and firing two shots at the victim. After the shooting, police saw and recognized Oakley as he was walking on Edison Highway. No weapons were on his person at the time of his arrest.

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