Judge Schedules North Paca Street Non-Fatal Shooting Trial for September Despite Victim’s Claim of Receiving Threats

By Stephanie Landaverde [former] - May 20, 2023
Attempted Murder | Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On May 18, the trial for a defendant and a codefendant charged with attempted murder in 2021 was postponed to September due to a miscommunication between parties.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn stated she thought the cases against codefendants Tyrelle Fields, who is represented by defense counsel Augustine Okeke, and Keisha Clark, represented by defense attorney Andre Mahasa, were postponed to allow the assigned prosecutor time to speak to both of them to address when the trial for Fields and Clark would occur. 

When the assigned prosecutor stated her calendar was full and should be referred to the stand-in prosecutor, because she had more space in her calendar to begin trial, the victim interrupted, stating that he had been constantly threatened by the defendant and was not happy with a September date. Despite the victim’s assertions, Judge Phinn reminded him that she had to go by the attorneys’ schedules. 

Judge Phinn scheduled Fields’ to start trial on Sept. 25, while Clark will start trial separately on Sept. 29, both before Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer.

As stated on the Maryland Judiciary website, Fields, 39, is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first- and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, attempted armed robbery, attempted robbery, theft less than $100, the use of a handgun when committing a crime, conspiracy to commit first- and second-degree assault, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit theft less than $100.00, conspiracy to use a firearm in a felony violent crime, having a handgun on his person, transporting a handgun within a vehicle, having a loaded handgun on his person, having a loaded handgun in his vehicle, possessing a firearm with a felony conviction, possessing a firearm during a controlled dangerous substance offense and illegal possession of ammunition. 

Clark, 47, is charged with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, attempted armed robbery, attempted robbery, theft of less than $100.00, using a handgun when committing a crime, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first- and second-degree assault, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit theft less than $100 and conspiracy to use a firearm during a felony violent crime.

According to court documents, on May 5, 2021, officers responded to the 600 block of N. Paca Street for what they believed to be gunshots. Officers located the victim, who was suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victim stated his ex-girlfriend, Clark, contacted him to give her money, and they agreed to meet on the 600 block of N. Paca Street. As Clark exited her vehicle, Fields, the victim’s cousin, exited as well, while holding a black semi-automatic handgun. After the victim exchanged words with Fields, Fields shot several rounds at the victim, striking his left arm, right thigh and buttocks.

The victim identified Fields and Clark through photographic measures. Several witnesses and video footage also supported the victim’s statements.