A motions trial was held on Sept. 29 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Robert K. Taylor Jr. in a gang-related case of co-defendants Cornell Moore, 40, and Keith Russell, 40.
Moore faces 41 charges while Russell faces 37 counts including participation in a criminal gang, first-degree murder, conspiracy of first-degree murder, and multiple firearms charges. They are accused of membership in a criminal gang known by authorities as “The Enterprise.”
According to charging documents, the incidents began on Oct. 3, 2020 when Moore allegedly shot and killed David Reid on the 2400 block of E. Preston Street. In July 2021, other members of the Enterprise allegedly stole a person’s identity to purchase a 2019 silver Honda Civic in California. The car was then driven from California back to Maryland.
On Sept. 21, 2021, Russell and Moore allegedly drove that car to the 1800 block of N. Smallwood Street, where they allegedly shot and killed Shabro Meredith, 29. They then used the car to flee the scene. The Honda Civic was allegedly abandoned by the defendants at the 3800 block of Woodbine Avenue.
On Nov. 2, 2021, members of the Enterprise allegedly stole a 2013 white Ford Taurus near Good Hope Drive in Crofton, Maryland. On Dec. 2, 2021, Russell and Moore then allegedly drove the Taurus to the 1300 block of N. Gilmor Street, where they shot and killed Rashad Dendy, 31, and allegedly fled the scene in the Taurus. Additionally, on Jan. 28, 2022, members of the Enterprise allegedly carjacked an individual, at gunpoint, taking his 2013 Nissan Rogue in Washington DC.
About a month later, on Feb. 8, 2022, the pair allegedly drove the 2013 Ford Taurus to the 1200 block of N. Freemont Avenue to shoot and kill Tyree Davis, 26, using the car to flee the scene. They reportedly abandoned the car at the 4300 block of Windsor Mill Road, and set the vehicle on fire.
On Feb. 25, 2022, using the 2013 Nissan Rogue from the carjacking, Russell and Moore allegedly shot and attempted to kill two victims on the 2200 block of W. North Avenue. The next week, the pair drove the same vehicle to the 1900 block of Ewald Avenue, and allegedly shot and killed Tayvon Scott, 43, using the same vehicle to flee the scene.
On Mar. 2, 2022, Enterprise members allegedly stole a 2018 Honda CR-V near the 4700 block of Gallatin Street in Hyattsville, Maryland. Later, Russell and Moore allegedly used the vehicle to shoot and attempt to murder another victim. The vehicle was abandoned at the 4400 block of Penhurst Avenue following the alleged incident.
The pair is also charged with the alleged murder of Yahmell Montague, 37, and Angel Smith, 38, on May 3, 2022, using the 2013 Nissan Rogue to flee the scene. On June 13, 2022, another Honda CR-V was carjacked by the Enterprise.
The following day, Russell allegedly crashed into another car, drove off road, and drove on the wrong side of the road to elude police.
Russell’s defense attorney, Natalie Finegar, motioned to limit the appearances of a prosecution witness for concern it would interfere with ongoing cross-examinations. Judge Taylor, nonetheless, approved the witness testifying multiple times, as long as he is sequestered between testimonies. He also assured Finegar that the defense would have ample chances to cross-examine the witness.
Judge Taylor also discussed scheduling asking if the trial is still on a six-week long trajectory. Cornell Moore’s attorney, Brandon Taylor, worried about a scheduled trial in Baltimore County beginning the week of Jan. 11, 2027. Judge Taylor said he is flexible as long as both the defense and state keep their schedules open after the jury selection.
Jury selection is set to begin on Jan. 4, 2027, with the trial tentatively starting on the week of Jan. 11, 2027, if not, the week of Jan. 18, 2027.
