Judge Postpones Scheduling Trial for Murder Defendant 

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn ordered a murder defendant on Oct. 18 to return for trial scheduling once he secures private counsel.

Judge Phinn told defendant Taiwan Mitchell that he could not obtain a public defender and needed a private attorney. 

Mitchell, 40, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of possession of a gas or air pellet gun in connection to an incident on Nov. 13, 2021. 

According to  CBS Baltimore News, Roy Cantler was fatally shot on the 2200 block of Christian Street following an alleged dispute with the defendant. 

Mitchell is still awaiting trial. His Hicks date, which is his right to be tried within 180 days of his or his attorney’s first court appearance, passed on Sept 24. 

Judge Phinn rescheduled the hearing to be heard in reception court on Nov. 14.