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By
Sage Cho
- February 24, 2025
Attempted Murder
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Court
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Daily Stories
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Shooting
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Victims
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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland reset a motions hearing date for murder and robbery defendant Reginald Whitaker on Feb. 21.
Whitaker is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first- and second-degree murder, and related firearm charges in connection to multiple armed robbery incidents between June and July 2023.
On June 27, 2023, at approximately 2 a.m., officers responded to Johns Hopkins Hospital for a report of a non-fatal shooting. According to charging documents, they learned that the victim was approached by a Black male – whom witnesses later identified as Whitaker – and a Black female at the intersection of Orleans Street and North Montford Avenue. After demanding money at gunpoint, an altercation ensued and the two suspects stole approximately $1,200 worth of items from the victim. The victim suffered a non life-threatening graze to his left pinky finger.
The same day, at approximately 11:29 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of S. Broadway in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, the officer observed a Black male suffering from a gunshot wound to the left leg, and medics transported the victim to Johns Hopkins Hospital.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Whitaker allegedly approached the victim near the 200 block of S. Broadway and demanded $5. When the victim said he could only spare $3, Whitaker searched through the victim’s wallet and bag for valuables. The victim attempted to resist the robbery attempt, leading Whitaker to push him against a wall allegedly shooting him in the leg.
On July 8, 2023, officers brought a photo array to the S. Broadway victim at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the victim was able to positively identify a person said to be Whitaker.
On July 6, 2023, officers executed a search and seizure warrant for 508 N. Port Street in reference to the first shooting on June 27. Upon arrival, officers were able to identify and charge Whitaker as the suspect. Based on what charging documents call an “abundance of footage, evidence, [and] witness statements,” officers determined that Whitaker robbed and murdered Traquan Lewis at 2000 Fleet Street on July 3, 2023. The same day, Whitaker robbed and shot another victim at the 1700 block of Gough Street before robbing two other women at gunpoint.
Whitaker will return to court March 14 for a motions hearing before Judge Yvette M. Bryant.