Judge Sets Trial Date for First-Degree Murder Defendant

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On Sept. 6, a trial date was set for a female first-degree murder defendant before Baltimore City Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn.

State prosecutors in August offered Keontae Jackson a life plea suspending all but 25 years
with 5 year of supervised probation for attempted first-degree murder.

During reception court on Tuesday, Jackson and her stand-in defense attorney rejected the plea offered. Jackson’s attorney, Judit Otvos, was sick with Covid-19 and could not attend the hearing.

Jackson , 26, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, arm carjacking,
carjacking, first-degree assault, use of firearm in felony violent crime, car-theft, unauthorized
removal of property, having handgun on her person, having handgun in vehicle, having handgun
on her person in connection with an incident on October 26, 2021.

Jackson waived her Hicks date of Oct. 2, which is her right to be tried within 180 days of her or her attorney’s first court appearance. Jackson’s stand-in attorney informed the court that Otvos was not
available before that date.

Jackson’s trial date is scheduled for Oct. 19.