Judge Postpones Case of 2 Homicide Defendants

By Rudy Malcom [former] - August 13, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

The case of two co-defendants in a 2018 homicide was further postponed at Baltimore City Circuit Court on Aug. 13.

Baltimore residents Brian Campbell and Corey Smith were allegedly involved in a homicide on Sept. 28, 2018.

On Wednesday, Campbell’s defense attorney, Michael Tomko, rejected an offer of life, suspending all but 65 years, with five years probation, on behalf of both co-defendants. Tomko was standing in for Smith’s defense attorney, Robert Cole Jr.

Campbell, 23, and Smith, 27, are both charged with first-degree murder and firearm use in a violent crime.

Additionally, Campbell is charged with possession of a firearm with a prior felony conviction and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.

Smith faces another count of first-degree murder as well as having a handgun on his person.

Before the case could be scheduled for trial, Tomko said Smith needed to waive his Hick’s date, referring to his right under Maryland law to be tried within 180 days of his first court appearance.

On Wednesday, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland slated the co-defendants to return to reception court two days later so that Cole could be present to set a trial date.

On Friday, Cole was still unavailable, so Judge Melissa M. Phinn scheduled the case for reception court on Aug. 16.