Judge Releases Shooting Defendant On Bail

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A Baltimore man charged with attempted murder was released on bail at Baltimore City Circuit Court on Nov 16.

Tony Foster allegedly shot a 52-year-old woman nearly three months ago while trying to steal her purse on the 3300 block of Bank Street on Aug. 28. The victim was sent to the hospital for gunshot wounds to her temple and forearm. His co-defendant, Jamel Phillips, was not present at the bail review hearing.

The defendant is charged with conspiracy to first-degree murder, attempted first and second-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to armed robbery, robbery, first and second-degree assault, firearm use in a felony violent crime, having a handgun on his person and in a vehicle, having a loaded handgun on his person and in a vehicle, reckless endangerment, discharging a firearm, and theft less than $100.

A defense attorney told Judge Philip S. Jackson that Foster was simply a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a robbery. Counsel also said that there was no positive identification from the victim, only that the victim’s assailant was wearing a white shirt.

Additionally, the attorney told Judge Jackson that Foster was shot seven times on his way to work, was hospitalized, and received an open heart surgery. Due to his client’s condition, the defense asked for Foster to be released on home detention.

The prosecution emphasized that the defendant wasn’t just a passenger, but the person who jumped out the vehicle and committed the robbery and shooting. The prosecutor also mentioned that the car, a red sedan, was identified from video footage at the scene and at Horseshoe Baltimore Casino, where the defendants were later seen getting out of the car.

A search warrant of the car revealed two pill bottles in the name of the victim. Pre-trial services recommended that Foster not receive bail.

Despite pre-trial recommendations, Judge Jackson released the defendant on electronic home monitoring with 24-hour lockdown.

Foster is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 23 at Baltimore City District Court.