Judge Reschedules Homicide Trial in Light of Witness’s Medical Leave

By Melaney Lemaster [former] - June 13, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

The trial for homicide defendant Martinez Armstrong was rescheduled because a witness is out on medical leave. 

Armstrong, 31, was originally scheduled for a jury trial on Monday in connection to a murder on June 11, 2020, on the 3700 block of Gelston Avenue. 

In addition to first-degree murder, the defendant is also charged with use of a firearm during a violent crime, having a handgun on his person, and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction. 

During court proceedings, the prosecutor requested a postponement due to a witness being out on medical leave. The witness, who is a detective with the Baltimore Police Department, collected the defendant’s DNA, said the prosecutor.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn instructed the prosecutor to have another detective collect another DNA sample from the defendant. Judge Phinn also said we are not waiting for the other detective to get back from medical leave.

CBS Baltimore reported that Armstrong allegedly shot and killed 28-year-old Michael Montgomery on the 3700 block of Gelston Avenue on June 11, 2020. Evidence later led police to Armstrong, who was arrested nearly a year later on May 5, 2021, on the 4700 block of Mt. Hope Drive.

Armstrong is rescheduled for a reception court hearing on June 14 to schedule another trial date.