Judge Sets a New Trial Date for Shannon Drive Murder Defendant

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On Oct. 11, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn set a new trial date for 22-year-old homicide defendant Desron Barber.

According to the Maryland Judiciary website, Barber is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a felony violent crime, carrying a deadly weapon with the intent to injure, second-degree assault and four counts of reckless endangerment in connection to an incident on May 24.

The defense attorney representing Barber, Martin Cohen, stated that the first trial date set for the defendant did not work for either of the parties.

Judge Phinn set a new trial date for Feb. 26, 2024, before Judge Barry G. Williams.

According to a Baltimore Police Department (BPD) press release, on May 24, officers responded to an aggravated assault on the 3200 block of Shannon Drive. Upon arrival, they found 31-year old Biancha Johnson suffering from trauma to her body. She was taken to the hospital, but was then pronounced dead.

BPD also revealed that the victim was engaged in a physical altercation in a group, when the defendant allegedly fired a gun and ultimately shot the victim.